The International Federation has deployed seven such specialized units in Indonesia and Sri Lanka providing clean water to almost 500,000 people. It is the largest-ever deployment of water and sanitation Emergency Response Units (ERUs) since the system was established 10 years ago. The specially trained and equipped ERUs are staffed and maintained by several National Red Cross Societies, ready to be deployed at a moment's notice. Now, through training, this expertise is being filtered down into regional disaster response teams and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, bringing the life-saving service closer to those who need it. But while the tsunami operation has again highlighted the need for clean water in post-disaster situations, the International Federation also is committed to addressing longer-term chronic needs in the developing world.
“There is no doubt that the speedy deployment of our emergency response units has saved lives. After a major catastrophe, populations are vulnerable to water-borne diseases, and our ability to produce large quantities of safe water and provide adequate sanitation quickly has been crucial in ensuring that these communities were not subjected to a second disaster,” says Markku Niskala, Secretary General of the International Federation. “It would be a missed opportunity and grossly irresponsible if these populations were left to their own devices once the emergency phase has passed. We believe strongly that tsunami-hit communities, and vulnerable communities worldwide, should be given the means and know-how to ensure that they always have a supply of safe water, and their water sources are protected from future disasters.”