The American Red Cross Response to Earthquakes Around the World

Friday, August 17, 2001 is the second anniversary of the massive earthquake that devastated central Turkey, the country’s industrial heartland. After more than 17,000 people died in the 7.4 earthquake, Turkish officials called it the "disaster of the century." Since August 17, 1999, the American Red Cross has responded internationally to eight more major earthquakes in India, El Salvador, Peru, Taiwan and Mexico and a second quake in Turkey in November 1999. In addition to providing cash donations, American Red Cross aid workers distributed relief supplies to survivors including food and water, and also worked with sister Red Cross and Red Crescent societies of the countries affected to assist with their emergency response. Today the American Red Cross continues to help these international Red Cross and Red Crescent societies prepare for and better respond to future disasters.