Disaster Management

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, have significant and wide-range consequences for human life, the environment, and socio-economic development. They often lead to a high number of fatalities, severe injuries, food shortages, and can even serve as breeding grounds for epidemics. Recognizing the potential effects of disasters is essential for determining the appropriate course of action to mitigate their impact. This is where the Disaster Management Department within Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) plays a crucial role.

Disaster Response

During disasters, the department takes a lead role in responding efficiently and effectively to disasters in the following humanitarian Key sectors, Shelter, Food and Livelihoods, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. Key activities undertaken during this phase can include construction of temporal shelters, construction of cooking shelters, and distribution of shelter items such blankets and sleeping mats. Conducting emergency needs assessments, cash distributions, construction of temporal latrines and bathrooms, distribution of WASH items such as multipurpose soap, chlorine.

Restoring Family Links (RFL)

Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) provides Restoring Family Links (RFL) services as part of the Global International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Red Crescent network, working to address the uncertainty faced by families separated by armed conflicts, disasters, and migration. With support from partners including ICRC and IFRC, these vital services prevent family separation, restore contact between loved ones, locate missing persons, clarify the fate of those reported missing, and support vulnerable individuals affected by humanitarian crises and displacement.