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Hurricane
Felix: Red Cross search and rescue teams on full alert 4 September 2007 As Red Cross search and rescue teams in Central America cross-check their equipment, worst-case scenario contingency plans are being set in motion. Hurricane Felix changed track and is forecast to impact a large swath of inland Central American nations. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has mobilized experienced relief personnel and essential supplies to the area. The International Federation also released 200,000 Swiss francs ($166,000 USD/ €122,000) from its disaster relief emergency fund to immediately assist Red Cross Societies as they face the second hurricane to hit the area in two weeks. Flooding, landslides and mudslides from torrential rains are expected to seriously damage homes, roads and bridges on the coast and in mountainous regions inland. Hurricane Felix is currently tracking along a similar path as Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which left millions displaced and over 21,000 people dead or missing. “Past landslides have swept away entire villages,” noted Xavier Castellanos of the International Federation’s Zone office in Panama. “These hillsides are already muddy from recent storms. More heavy rain means our Red Cross teams on the ground are preparing for the worst,” he added. National Red Cross Societies in Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize and Mexico have pre-positioned hundreds of volunteers and established contact with community-based organizations and government institutions. The International Federation’s Pan-American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) is preparing relief supplies such as tents, tarpaulins, hygiene items and food in support of the effort. Red Cross Societies are coordinating with the authorities to evacuate thousands and manage communications in the likely event of power outages. The government of Belize declared a state of emergency and closed schools for the day. Residents of this low-lying costal nation, like their neighbours across Central America, are stockpiling supplies and doing their best to weather-proof their homes and businesses against the gale-force wind and rain. “The earliest possible intervention by neighbours and local rescue teams ultimately saves many more lives than foreign rescue teams arriving to help since they are often are delayed and lose precious hours during travel,” said Stephen MacAndrew, Head of PADRU. The PADRU, based in Panama, has developed a comprehensive contingency and preparedness strategy for the 2007 Atlantic storm season. The unit supports vulnerable people affected by disasters throughout the Americas by reinforcing the capacity of National Societies before, during and after emergencies. The International Federation through PADRU currently has the capacity to quickly meet the emergency needs of around 125,000 people should disaster strike tomorrow. This capacity has been almost doubled since last year in anticipation of a challenging season ahead. The International Federation and PADRU continue supporting Hurricane Dean response operations in St. Lucia, Dominica, Haiti, Jamaica, Belize and Mexico. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Manuel Rodriguez, Regional Communications Officer for PADRU Tel: + 507 66 79 4334 Marie Belanger, Regional Communications Officer for Mexico and the Caribbean Tel: + 507 66 76 1684 Winnie Romeril, Communications Officer (Geneva) Tel: + 41 22 730 4302 Duty phone (Geneva) Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 185 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. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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