Disaster risk reduction
Climate change is causing extreme weather events to increase in frequency and intensity. As a result, the risk of disasters is rising across the world, particularly in poor countries. Together with its sister societies in the partner countries, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) supports the most vulnerable people in preparing themselves better for disasters and protecting themselves effectively.
Challenges
Climate change is making disasters worse
Climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events: floods, landslides, droughts and cyclones are occurring more frequently and with growing intensity. The countries of the Global South are particularly affected. The climate crisis there is particularly hitting the poorest people whose livelihoods are increasingly put at risk by disasters, with the very existence of millions of people under threat.
The poorest are the hardest hit
People living in poverty often live in badly constructed housing and in high-risk areas because they cannot afford to move elsewhere. They are also unable to prepare themselves for danger. When disaster strikes, they lose their livelihoods. Even their health suffers. In most cases, they have no insurance or savings.
Disasters hinder development
Countries and regions at highest risk are often so overwhelmed by managing disasters that they are unable to advance their development and fight poverty.
Our goal
Together with our national sister societies, we are strengthening people in endangered regions. We are supporting them in adjusting to the consequences of climate change and protecting themselves better against disasters in the danger zones. We are fortifying their resilience to natural hazards. It is important particularly in the case of recurring events for people to be well prepared and to know what precautions to take and how to respond correctly in an emergency.
The SRC supports local initiatives in several African, Asian and Latin American countries aimed at fostering the adaptation to climate change and improving disaster prevention. This way the SRC is also supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals “No Poverty”, “Sustainable Cities and Communities” and “Climate Action”.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
UN global goals
What we do
Effective disaster prevention begins before a risk turns into a disaster. Damage and suffering can be effectively reduced with the necessary knowledge and appropriate resources. Precisely here is where the work of the SRC begins. It is based on three steps: 1. Identify risks, 2. Reduce risks and 3. Strengthen disaster preparedness.
Identify risks
Natural hazards and climate risks are identified together with the local population. The hazards and risks within a community are mapped. This creates a clear picture of which areas are particularly at threat today and in the future and which can be considered safe. In addition, escape routes and safe refuges are specified.
GOOD TO KNOW
Preventing economic damage
Each year, disasters cause global damage amounting to several hundred billion francs. At the same time, the economic losses are increasing in the long term. Each franc invested in disaster prevention can be used to save the same amount in damage containment many times over in the longer term.
Reducing risks
The sister societies supported by the SRC use targeted protection structures to ensure that village communities particularly at risk and their infrastructure are better protected against floods, landslides and storms. To this end the SRC especially promotes nature-based solutions that have a long-term impact and protect the environment such as the stabilisation of slopes with suitable plants.
As well as these infrastructure measures, the sister societies impart knowledge about disaster prevention and adjusting to climate change at schools and in the population at large. They also boost knowledge about health and prevention. This helps people to identify health risks prior to, during and after disasters better and protect themselves effectively against them.
Strengthen disaster preparedness
The sister societies supported by the SRC promote the establishment of disaster committees consisting of members of the local population in the communities and connect them with the authorities. These local task forces draw up emergency and evacuation plans and receive regular basic and advanced training. They frequently practise for emergency situations with the endangered population. They are vital for first aid and rescue in order to be prepared for future disasters. They are often the first to reach the scene of the event and can rapidly provide life-saving aid. The sister societies also support the development of early warning systems enabling the population to take shelter in time.
SRC Disaster Fund
This special fund makes it possible to co-finance projects that protect people in endangered regions. In 2025 alone, support totalling CHF 390,000 was provided to five countries, thanks to the fund. Thousands of people received vital aid.
What does the SRC Disaster Fund do?
The population is prepared for disasters
Disaster relief is made possible in crises that are less publicized
Communities can recover more quickly and rebuild in a sustainable manner
Be part of this aid – with your contribution to the fund. Contact us: partnerships@redcross.chOpens a new window.
Insights into our projects
Where we help
The SRC provides its sister organisations of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in various countries across the world with targeted support in adjusting to climate change and preventing disasters.
In Kyrgyzstan, I saw how effective simple stabilization measures can be. Disaster preparedness spares so many people suffering and anxiety.
Dominique Gisin, Olympic skiing champion and SRC ambassador
Our project countries
World map.The Swiss Red Cross project countries are highlighted in red. Here is the full list: Armenia, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Nepal, Paraguay, South Sudan, Tajikistan, Togo.
