Red Cross Red Crescent launches appeal for Algeria quake victims
22 May 2003

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched a preliminary appeal for 2 million Swiss francs (US$ 1.5 million) to assist the victims of Wednesday evening’s devastating earthquake in Algeria.

Around 800 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in the earthquake, which measured 6.7 on the Richter scale. The number of casualties is expected to rise as more bodies are found under the many buildings that have collapsed in the capital, Algiers and other towns.

Under the proposed operation, the Algerian Red Crescent will provide shelter and distribute food and other relief items for at least 10,000 people, as well as providing psychological support to the traumatised population.

Algerian Red Crescent staff and volunteers were quick to respond to the disaster and continue to take part in the search and rescue efforts, to provide first aid, transport the injured to hospital and mobilize people to donate blood.

The International Federation has dispatched a Field Assessment and Coordination Team to Algeria to help evaluate the damage and the needs of the population, as well as to coordinate international Red Cross and Red Crescent assistance. Based on this assessment, the appeal is likely to be revised in the coming days.

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.