Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It’s a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work…

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

YEMEN: After weeks of attempts, the ICRC and the Yemen Red Crescent have succeeded in distributing vital aid to around 1,300 displaced people in the remote area of Al-Buqa’, in northern Sa’ada governorate. Aid distribution is becoming increasingly difficult. Nevertheless, the ICRC and the Yemen Red Crescent are pressing ahead with their work of bringing water, food, medical care and other essentials to thousands.

PHILIPPINES: Flooding following October’s tsunami was so severe that flood waters are not expected to fully recede before February or March 2010. The IFRC is calling for funding to help provide safe and adequate shelter for the thousands who are still homeless.

SRI LANKA: Saturday marked the five-year anniversary of the 2004 tsunami. Red Crossers from around the globe continue to assist survivors. Meet 52-year-old Upali, who survived the tsunami by clinging to a coconut tree, and whose house was reconstructed by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society with the support of the Spanish Red Cross.

GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies