Published: 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.
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