Stories from the field
The Red Cross prepares for Tropical Storm Tomas
November 3, 2010
While continuing to respond to a cholera outbreak in Haiti, the Red Cross is ramping up its emergency response readiness as Tropical Storm Tomas moves toward the island. The Red Cross has been preparing for this kind of event since the first weeks of the earthquake response and is taking this situation very seriously. “The January 12 earthquake left many families exposed to disaster risk,” says Sophie Chavanel, senior communications coordinator with the Canadian Red Cross in Haiti. “Because of the increased vulnerabilities that communities now face, the Red Cross is stressing the importance of ramping up disaster response readiness.” |
Emergency stocks for 17,000 families have been prepositioned for quick distribution as needed and emergency teams are ready to respond immediately if needed.
The outbreak and the impending storm exhibit Haiti’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The Red Cross is able to respond quickly due to its community-based approach. Local volunteers and emergency relief professionals are ready to respond at a moment’s notice and work around the clock to ensure support is getting to those who need it most. Additional resources, including Red Cross disaster response delegates, are on standby to be deployed for additional support if needed.
The January 12 earthquake in Haiti resulted in the largest humanitarian response in Red Cross history. This includes the deployment of over 13,000 tons of humanitarian aid, 21 emergency response units and the production and distribution of 2.4 million litres of clean water each day in affected communities.
The Red Cross will continue to support vulnerable communities in Haiti in the months and years ahead as they recover and rebuild from the earthquake and as they face additional disasters and crises.
