Note: The following appeal is now closed. You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross
Hurricane Ivan - the most powerful hurricane to hit the Caribbean in a decade- has been moving across the region for several days, carrying sustained winds of near 225 kms per hour. As the storm moves northwest, hurricane watches have been issued in the Cayman Islands, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. A hurricane warning was issued for Jamaica.
In Grenada alone, 12 people have died (officials fear that the death toll will continue to rise) and approximately 90 percent of the country's buildings have sustained damage. Approximately 60% out of the population are homeless. There is currently no water or electricity.
The Canadian Red Cross is responding to Hurricane Ivan by sending cash and preparing to deploy staff specialized in logistics and water sanitation. Canadians are encouraged to support the relief efforts by making a cash donation in support of the International Red Cross’ worldwide preliminary appeal for $1.79 million. Funds raised will help provide shelter materials, food, blankets, kitchen sets, hygiene items and jerry cans to the most vulnerable people.
Stories
Humanitarian aid sent to Grenada
On the morning of September 15, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Canadian Red Cross sent humanitarian aid on a Zoom Airlines flight bound for hurricane devastated Grenada.
Case statements
Restoring Family Links
Canadians requesting information about their family members in regions of the Caribbean affected by the hurricanes may contact their local Red Cross office. Disaster welfare inquiries related to Jamaica, Grenada, the Cayman Islands and the United States can now be forwarded to the National Red Cross Societies in the affected countries. For the time being, it remains impossible to obtain specific information concerning particular cases of persons residing or missing in Haiti. The Red Cross, through the Restoring Family Links Program, are working together with the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide information to families with missing loved ones in Haiti..
Inquiries about Canadian citizens in the area should be referred to the Operations Centre of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at 1-800-267-6788.