"Red Cross Red Crescent statistics show a worrying rise in the number of flood emergencies dealt with by volunteers and staff across the continent," says Encho Gospodinov, Acting Director, Policy and Communications Division at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

In an article published today on the International Federation website (please see attached article), Mr. Gospodinov relays statistics from the largest humanitarian organization in the world clearly showing an increase of flooding events in Africa over the past four years. "Between 2004 and 2006, the number of floods operations in Africa jumped from just five in 2004 to 32 in 2006 and already, by mid September 2007, stood at 42," says the article. "While the figures only cover those flooding situations that the Red Cross Red Crescent responded to, they still make worrying reading," he adds.

In addition, smaller-scale floods operations (defined as those affecting less than 25,000 people) are particularly on the rise from just four in 2004 to 25 in 2006 and have already reached 28 to date. Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are often the only agencies on hand to help. "These "neglected" disasters do not always hit the headlines. But the suffering of those affected - people who have lost not only their homes and belongings, but their crops and livestock as well - is just as real," says Mr. Gospodinov.

The article also mentions the fact that the floods are consistent with predictions of climate change analysts. The experts of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre in The Hague (Netherlands) believe that the phenomenon will raise flood risks in some regions of Africa. Climate change will also increase the risk of drought in some areas, while others may experience both floods and droughts.

"Climate change was high on the agenda at the United Nations in New York earlier this week. We welcome debate on the issue, and look forward to discussing next steps with our humanitarian partners, but our statistics are a stark reminder that we must move from words to action if more suffering is to be reduced," concludes Mr Gospodinov.

African Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, supported by the International Federation, have been at the forefront of the response to the current flood crisis affecting about 20 countries and hitting between one and one and a half million people in East, West and Central Africa. Emergency appeals have been issued for Uganda, Ghana, Togo, Sudan and Ethiopia. The International Federation also released funds from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund for 10 floods-related disasters in Africa. Earlier this week, it also warned of possible consequences on the food security situation since crops have been destroyed in many areas.

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