Red Cross Red Crescent appeal for funds for Algeria
12 November 2001

With more rain expected in Algeria, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is today appealing for two million Swiss francs to provide shelter, essential relief items and basic health care to 24,000 people left homeless this weekend by devastating storms and floods.

More than 300 people were killed and 1,000 injured when a deluge of mud, debris and water poured down from the hills into Algiers, burying homes and communities after torrential rain hit the north African country. The rain storms came after months of drought. Most of those killed and left homeless are from three areas in the capital, Algiers.

Rescue operations have been hampered by blocked roads and damage to infrastructure, but evacuations from the affected areas have continued. The Algerian Red Crescent is working alongside civil defence and local authorities, especially in the evacuations and in providing the homeless with shelter and hot meals. With hospitals struggling to cope with the huge influx of injured, Red Crescent volunteers have also been mobilised to provide first aid.

"More rain is expected in the coming days and temperatures are already low, so it is essential that people are provided with shelter, food, access to clean water as quickly as possible if people are not to suffer any further," says Roger Bracke, Disaster Operations Manager for Africa at the International Federation.

The International Federation is also sending a field assessment coordination team which is due to arrive in Algiers on November 13 to work with the Algerian Red Crescent in assessing exact needs and to support the Red Crescent's response to the disaster. But funds raised will be used to provide the 24,000 people with shelter material, blankets, warm clothing, and water purification tablets to minimise the risk of waterborne disease. In addition, medical supplies including basic drugs and equipment will be distributed to health institutions.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Geneva
Jemini Pandya, Information Officer, Tel.: +41 22 730 4570/ + 41 79 416 3881

Algiers
Kouraich Jaouahdou , Information officer Tel : + 216 98 35 06 33

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.