The lives you change. The hope you bring in times of crisis.
Your support enables the Red Cross to provide crucial aid to communities long after major disasters, reaching forgotten areas like Britano, Vanuatu. Following a devastating earthquake on 17 December, Britano faced immense challenges. Community leader Andrew Nayo described the loss of homes, livelihoods, and tragically, lives. The 130-house community lost access to clean water when their main pipe was destroyed, reducing taps to a mere dribble. Residents often had to walk up to 15 kilometers to access water that was unfortunately unsafe and contaminated, contributing to health challenges such as diarrhoea and scabies.
While initial aid focused on Vanuatu's capital, Britano feared neglect. The Vanuatu Red Cross was the first to arrive, conducting health assessments and distributing emergency water. They quickly facilitated the installation of two 6,000-liter water tanks, providing the community with vital clean water. Chief John shared his heartfelt thanks, saying, "The Red Cross were the first ones to come and give us water... they helped wipe away the tears so we could walk into the future." This support offered not just water, but renewed hope to a community feeling abandoned.

Your investment can help give hope to people living in the most disaster-stricken region.
The Asia-Pacific is the world's most disaster-prone region, where communities often face successive calamities with little time to recover. Your consistent support is crucial, providing connection, comfort, and practical help before, during, and after disasters strike.
Recent months have highlighted this urgency. A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar on 28 March, 2025, near Mandalay, killing over 3,759 people and injuring 5,100. This disaster intensified an existing crisis of political instability and conflict, leaving 18 million already vulnerable people without clean water, shelter, or emergency care. Australian Red Cross, in partnership with Myanmar Red Cross, is on the ground providing first aid, rescue, emergency supplies, and family reunification, restoring vital water and sanitation.
Just a few months earlier, on 17 December, 2024, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake stuck Vanuatu, affecting 80,000 people and displacing over 2,000. Remote villages like Britano lost their only safe water source, forcing residents to trek 15km for contaminated water. The Vanuatu Red Cross was the first to respond, delivering emergency water and installing two 6,000-liter water tanks, bringing much-needed relief and hope to the community.
Your generosity ensures that Red Cross teams can respond immediately and remain in affected areas long after the initial headlines fade, addressing critical needs and empowering local communities to rebuild and prepare for future shocks. This ongoing support is vital for strengthening resilience in the face of increasing disaster frequency and severity.
