projects which can increase people's abilities to cope in crises.' Existing flood protection systems are old and the cost of repair or replacement is mounting. At the same time the IMF and the World Bank insist that governments invest in commodities for export - if there is anything left after debt servicing. Kevin Watkins, senior policy advisor at Oxfam points out; They tightly control public expenditure and in many countries have slashed preventative health and welfare programmes which would help people cope with disasters". Far more people will die of disease as a result of flooding - from water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera and typhoid and from malnutrition -than from drowning. In Bangladesh more than 668,529 hectares of crops were destroyed by the floods - over one third of the country's annual food production. In Vietnam epidemics of dengue fever followed the floods, killing 1,500 Unnatural disasters are increas• 300 Club offers readers •and supporters the chance to win a £50 cash prize or •alternatives each month -•for just a £5 donation.
We get the cash we nead. •to run campaigns and •improve the paper - and •you get an excellent chance •of a bumper pay-out, or the • •satisfaction of knowing •your donation was well •spent! • To join the 300 Club, send • •us a Standing Order for £5 oper month, or drop us a line. •at PO Box 1109, London N4• • 2UU, and we will send you • a form. •This month's lucky winners : (2nd) Bob Whitehead, and •are (3rd prize) David Coen othe top prize goes to Inbar •Tamari:
End scandal of British