There are national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 144 countries, bringing together large numbers of voluntary workers trained in emergency care and other health activities. In the event of a disaster and in emergency-preparedness activities these voluntary workers can provide the local and national authorities with considerable assistance.

All the national societies are federated in the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (LORCS). In the event of a disaster LORCS coordinates the international assistance given by its national societies and channelled to the victims through the Red Cross (or Red Crescent) Society of the stricken country.

For further information on the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and for the address of the nearest Red Cross or Red Crescent Society, please write to LORCS, P.O. Box 372, 1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland.