The
Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world. Here is an update on Red Cross response to disasters in the United States, Italy and Myanmar.
United States:
The American Red Cross remains on the ground across nearly half of the state of Louisiana with volunteers helping the thousands of people affected by the flooding last week.
More than 1,900 Red Cross workers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are supporting the relief effort, along with hundreds of local residents. In addition to providing food and shelter, American Red Cross volunteers are providing emotional support to help people cope. Health services volunteers are monitoring the health needs of people in shelters and replacing items like lost wheelchairs, eyeglasses and medications. Red Cross is working closely with the entire response community – federal, state, county and local agencies, other non-profit organizations, churches, area businesses and others – to coordinate relief efforts and deliver help quickly and efficiently, keeping in mind the diverse needs of the community.
Italy:
Search and rescue teams and sniffer dogs from the Italian Red Cross are on the ground following a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in the early hours of the morning today. The towns of Amatrice, Accumoli and Arquata del Tronto village in central Italy are the worst affected areas. The Red Cross has also sent 20 ambulances to the affected areas, while local volunteers are on the ground providing support for survivors. Mobile kitchens are also being set up for people who have been forced to leave their homes. A 24-hour emergency control centre has been activated in Rome, while the Red Cross is also working from a mobile operations centre in the quake zone.
Myanmar:
Yesterday evening, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, with its epicentre located 25 kilometres west of Chauk. Tremors were felt across the region. The IFRC is providing support to the Myanmar Red Cross to assess the situation near the epicentre. Red Cross teams have been deployed in affected townships to provide first aid and help evacuees. Few casualties have been reported at this time.
The Canadian Red Cross is accepting donations for the Italy earthquake online, by calling 1-800-418-1111 or in person at any Canadian Red Cross branch.