Algerian relief flights continue as winter raises concern for the homeless
16 November 2001

Seven Red Cross Red Crescent relief flights brought more than 200 tonnes of emergency relief into disaster stricken Algiers yesterday and six more planes are due today and tomorrow in response to an appeal launched this week by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The Algerian Red Crescent today organised the first relief convoy to the town of Tipaza in western Algeria where 6,000 people have been affected by the heavy rains and flooding of the last week. Three trucks are on their way with 30 tonnes of food, blankets, tents and medicines.

The death toll is now more than 600 but Red Cross Red Crescent officials said this figure will rise as bodies continue to be pulled from the mud and debris in Algiers and reports start to come in from other coastal areas.

"Basically the emergency needs are being met but at least 30,000 homeless people need to be properly housed as soon as possible because winter is coming and already night-time temperatures are very low. This adds to the problems of lack of electricity, water and sanitation. We need to focus on rehabiliation needs," said Eric Michel Sellier, who heads the International Federation's support team to the Algerian Red Crescent.

The Algerian Red Crescent continues to provide 10,000 meals per day to the worst-affected and the workload on relief workers is expected to increase with the start of Ramadan today which will mean food distribution will take place in the evening. "Many of our volunteers are suffering from physical exhaustion. The demands have been enormous and we have mobilised about 1,000 people to work on this disaster," said Allik Farid, crisis cell co-ordinator with the Algerian Red Crescent.

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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.