Aid crisis: impact of media neglect on disaster zones

DISASTERS killed 100,000 people throughout the world last year and much of it came about through severe neglect.

The World Disaster report released by the International Red Cross today warns that tragedies which attracted huge media attention left a shadow over those who were caught up in catastrophes which failed to capture as many headlines.

The Indian Ocean tsunami dominated television screens as did Hurricane Katrina in the United States in 2005. But other disasters were neglected, such as the food crises in Niger and Malawi, warned Irish Red Cross chairman David Andrews yesterday.

“This report documents the impact of aid to date on Malawi and Niger and demonstrates the need for constant vigilance in these countries and elsewhere, where the struggle to survive is forcing people to the point of last resort; selling their assets, forsaking education for paid work where it is available and — in some cases — entering the sex trade,” said Mr Andrews.

The report found 161 million people around the globe suffered disasters in 2005.

There were record-breaking donations, with governments donating over $12 billion (€9bn) in aid. The public donated another $5bn. The biggest recipients by far were the Asian tsunami victims, with $1,241 per person. This was 50 times more than the worst-funded crisis.

But other tragedies were neglected, warns the international report.

nTrafficking and irregular migration forced thousands to dangerously cross into Europe’s seas in boats from sub-saharan Africa, with many trying to escape repressed lives. Some 2,000 lost their lives in the waters.

nIn Nepal, 35,000 woman and new-borns die annually owing to unhealthy practices. Some give birth in cow sheds because of strict social regimes and discrimination.

nFunding for African countries in need like the Republic of Congo, among other countries, only received 40% of money required. The tsunami was 475% funded.

Mr Andrews agrees disasters should be more graphic, appearing on television screens to encourage donors to part with their cash.

He praised Irish donors, saying their response was “historical”. Nonetheless, he said, it was expected in a time of affluence.

He added: “Each day thousands of people suffer. Our report also looks at the grinding toll of landslides and localised floods in Guatemala, which get no attention of any kind.”

Irish Red Cross secretary general Carmel Dunne warned the disaster in Darfur, where thousands have been killed or raped, was being ignored.

“The international community has failed Darfur like it failed Rwanda.”