Published: 28 May 2004
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an appeal for 912,248 Swiss francs (592,446 euros) to support the Red Cross relief operations for 10,000 people affected by the devastating floods which have hit the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Hundreds of people are dead and thousands have been left homeless. The torrential rains and resulting floods have destroyed crops, homes and livestock. With the water distribution system severely damaged, access to clean water is also a priority to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases.
"This has been a difficult disaster to assess because of access problems to many of the affected areas. At least 900 people have been killed and thousands have left homeless," said Nelson Castaño, head of the Pan-American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU). “There is an urgent need for food, drinking water and other basic relief items”.
The International Federation has already released 100,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREFT) to facilitate the start up of the operations. If the situation deteriorates further, the Federation appeal will be revised to take into account any increased needs.