Red Cross Launches Caribbean Emergency Appeal

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a preliminary appeal for 611,470 Swiss francs (USD 622,109 or EUR 446,067) to support the disaster response efforts of the Red Cross societies of Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados to assist 1,550 families affected by Hurricane Tomas through a six-month operation.

Earlier this week, Hurricane Tomas struck the Lesser Antilles, affecting approximately 1,900 homes, provoking landslides, interrupting water services for over 30,000 people, and causing infrastructure damage, as well as electricity and communications disruption through the Caribbean Islands of Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

In addition, there are serious damages in the agriculture and commerce sector, especially in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. “We have already deployed a disaster management delegate that will initiate a detailed assessment process with the three National Red Cross Societies to identify opportunities for early recovery interventions, targeting the restoration of livelihoods and permanent shelter,” said Tanya Wood, the IFRC’s regional representative for the English Caribbean.

The funds raised by this preliminary appeal will support these Red Cross Societies focus on providing an appropriate and timely response in delivering assistance for relief distribution, shelter activities and water distribution the affected families.

“Volunteers and staff from the Red Cross societies of Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados have been working diligently since Saturday, through search and rescue efforts and relief distributions. This appeal will ensure support for their work, allowing them to reach the specific needs of those affected by Tomas,” adds Wood.

Kelly Dunst on 11 12, 2010