Red Crescent responds to Algerian earthquake
22 May 2003

The Algerian Red Crescent (ARC) was rapidly on the scene of the major earthquake that struck the country on Wednesday evening. More than 540 people have died and almost 5,000 have been injured in the country’s worst quake for 23 years.

In close coordination with the authorities, hundreds of ARC staff and volunteers are taking part in the search and rescue efforts, administering first aid to the injured and transporting them to the hospitals. They are also mobilizing people to donate blood and distributing blankets to families who have lost their homes or to people afraid of returning to their homes because of aftershocks.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which is releasing 200,000 Swiss francs (US$ 154,000) from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, is also sending a Field Assessment and Coordination Team to Algeria to help evaluate the damage and the needs of the population, and coordinate the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s international assistance.

At the request of the Algerian government, the German government has sent three search and rescue teams, including a team of German Red Cross dog handlers and sniffer dogs.

There are fears that the earthquake has damaged health facilities and the water and sanitation infrastructure. The Federation is ready to support the Algerian Red Crescent and the country’s authorities in ensuring these services, by launching an international appeal should it be required.

After Algeria’s last major earthquake, in 1980, in which 5,000 people died, the Federation launched an emergency appeal for 43.5 million Swiss francs (US$ 33.5 million).

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

Denis McClean, Head, Media Service - Tel: + 41 22 730 44 28 / + 41 79 217 33 57
Media Service Duty Phone - Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81

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.