Published: 25 January 2005
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an appeal to assist those affected by severe flooding in Guyana’s capital city and coastal regions. The appeal, seeking 2,040,529 Swiss francs (US$1,720,727 / euro1,319, 872), will assist 30,000 people for six months with food, relief items, and health and sanitation services.
Weeks of torrential rains have drenched areas of Georgetown and 13 coastal communities of Guyana, leaving six people dead and driving thousands of people from their homes. Businesses have been forced to close, roads are washed out, and the government has declared areas in and around Georgetown disaster zones. Ninety-five percent of the 13 affected communities have suffered severe damage to buildings.
Late last week, Guyana Red Cross Society Rapid Assessment Teams evaluated damages and needs in affected areas, often using small boats and other means to reach flooded areas. “Assessment teams have found a critical need for potable water, food, shelter and first aid, and there are concerns about disease from floodwaters,” said Luis Luna, Regional Officer for the Americas at the Federation Secretariat in Geneva.
Cases of diarrhoea, skin ailments and respiratory ailments were reported, as well as bites from scorpions and centipedes.
Since 18 January, Guyana Red Cross volunteers have been preparing and delivering cooked meals to flood victims. The Federation, through its Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) in Panama and its Port-of-Spain Office, has sent a disaster manager and an expert in water and sanitation to support the Guyana Red Cross relief efforts. PADRU has also chartered a flight to Guyana to deliver critical relief items such as blankets, hygiene articles and portable containers to store clean water.