Note: The following appeal is now closed. You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross
Meteorologists are forecasting this year will be an active, above average hurricane season for the Atlantic. This year there has already been 2 category 5 hurricanes that have devastated the Caribbean and Central America. The Canadian Red Cross, in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is assisting National Societies in the affected areas through fundraising and sending trained delegates and supplies.
Canadian Red Cross is rapidly responding to Hurricane Felix which has wreaked havoc on Central America. Quebec native and Canadian Red Cross delegate Louise Belanger has been deployed to Nicaragua to distribute a plane load of relief items generously supplied by the Canadian International Development Agency.
Although Hurricane Felix caused widespread devastation to Central America, the low casualty rate can be attributed to smooth disaster planning between the local Red Cross and authorities to carry out 13,500 evacuations and pre-position relief supplies. Red Cross offices throughout Central America have deployed staff and volunteers to perform search and rescue, needs assessments and relief teams. Although the immediate danger has passed, rivers have more than doubled from normal levels.
Hurricane Dean has caused serious damage to homes, infrastructure and communities. In Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominica and St Lucia, the National Red Cross Societies are assessing the aftermath of the storm to see where help is needed most. Urgent relief supplies for those impacted include tarpaulins, food parcels, water purification tablets, jerry cans, blankets and sheets, kitchen kits, plastic buckets, hygiene kits, flash lights, water boots and mosquito repellent.
News
Emergency appeal for survivors of Hurricane Dean