Red Cross Advocates 'Forecast-Based Financing' to Tackle Disasters Before They Strike

Every year families are displaced and crops destroyed in Uganda by torrential rains – and extreme weather events may be worsening as a result of climate change.

"If recent rainfall is anything to go by, flooding this year could start as early as April – with communities bearing the brunt of unpredictable weather patterns," said Irene Amuron, a technical advisor for the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre in Uganda.

But getting help to people before disaster strikes could help cut the growing costs of helping them after a crisis occurs, experts say.

The Red Cross has been experimenting with "forecast-based financing" in Uganda and other countries. That involves releasing funds or other assistance to communities according to pre-agreed triggers – such as weather predictions – rather than waiting for torrential rains or dry spells to cause havoc.

http://news.trust.org/item/20170303142239-sggmw/

Robin Yamaguchi

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