Algerian Red Crescent to step up assistance to earthquake victims
30 June 2003

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies plans through the Algerian Red Crescent to significantly increase its assistance to victims of the earthquake that devastated the northern regions of Algeria on May 21, leaving more than 2,200 people dead, nearly 10,000 injured and at least 20,000 families homeless.

Funds will be used to provide up to 40,000 people with essential assistance over the next few months in the form of food, water, tents, blankets and other relief items.

The assistance is designed to tide over the most vulnerable families, those whose homes have been destroyed and who have lost most of their possessions, over the next few months.

In order to support this operation, the International Federation has revised its preliminary appeal for Algeria earthquake victims to a total of 4.798 million Swiss francs (US$ 3.54 million). The success of a preliminary appeal for two million Swiss francs (US$ 1.5 million) launched on May 22 means that only Swiss francs 459,000 is now outstanding to support this new plan of action.

"We estimate the operation may continue for up to a year, depending on how soon survivors will be able to move into new homes and return to normal," notes Abbas Gullet, Director of the Disaster Management Department at the Federation Secretariat in Geneva. "We also plan to help the Algerian Red Crescent strengthen its disaster prevention programmes including providing more training for its staff and volunteers, equipping and re-stocking its warehouses and ensuring sufficient logistics and transport capacity."

The operation will be carried out by the Algerian Red Crescent, which will continue to provide, not only material assistance, but also vital psychological support services to the traumatised population.

Algerian Red Crescent staff and volunteers were quick to respond to the disaster, participating in search and rescue efforts, providing first aid, transporting the injured to hospital, mobilizing blood donors and distributing relief goods.

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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.