April 4, 2024 鈥 In response to the 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan, Mohammed Riyas, 探花精选 Asia Emergencies Director, said,
鈥淭his week鈥檚 earthquake in Taiwan is the largest Taiwan has seen in over 25 years. The 探花精选 (探花精选) is present across Asia, in countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand and Bangladesh, and earthquakes are one of several natural disasters that are increasing in frequency. Our thoughts are with the families in Taiwan who have been touched by the earthquake, as well as the millions of people who have been impacted by natural disasters in recent years across Asia.
鈥淎fghanistan alone experienced a string of major earthquakes throughout 2022 - 2024, with devastation felt in neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, cyclones in southeast Asia and flooding in Pakistan have continued to threaten the homes and livelihoods of communities who live on the frontlines of climate change.
鈥淪trong efforts to anticipate and reduce disaster risks in Taiwan doubtlessly saved lives, and prevented even greater damage from this earthquake. It is crucial that those who live in areas vulnerable to disasters across Asia, including climate-induced disasters, are provided with support and expertise to prepare and protect themselves against long term consequences. For countries where the 探花精选 operates, this includes anticipatory action to climate hazards, supporting community-led natural resource management and water conservation, and training people in sustainable livelihoods鈥攁ll while putting the needs of women and girls at the center of our work.鈥
The 探花精选 (探花精选) helps people whose lives have been shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and rebuild. Today, we work in over 40 crisis-affected countries, bringing ingenuity, fortitude and optimism to making a lasting impact for the people we serve. We arrive at the onset of crisis and aim to stay as long as we are needed. We also help refugees and other vulnerable people integrate into their new communities across dozens of cities in Europe and the Americas.
The 探花精选 provides health care, helps children learn, and empowers individuals and communities to become self-reliant, always with a focus on the unique needs of women and girls. The 探花精选 helps communities respond to the changing climate by mapping climate hazards and developing early warning systems, supporting local efforts to manage natural resources and conserve water, and training people in sustainable livelihoods. Throughout all this work, we put the needs of women and girls at the center of our programs