Flooding in Central America

Red Cross teams across Central America are on high alert as heavy rains continue to pound El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Over 300,000 people across the region have been affected or displaced, and with further heavy rain predicted, the humanitarian situation could rapidly deteriorate.

Local Red Cross staff and volunteers are supporting response operations across the region by putting emergency evacuation plans in place, erecting safe shelters and distributing relief items to those affected. In addition to these efforts the Regional Red Cross office in Panama has mobilized disaster response experts to support operations in El Salvador and Guatemala.

The Canadian Red Cross is monitoring the situation closely and is ready to respond if needed.

The best way Canadians can help in times of emergency is with a donation to the International Disaster Relief Fund (IDRF). The IDRF allows us to respond within hours of an emergency, well before any money has been received from supporters. It also allows us to implement disaster preparedness programs, such as training local volunteers and creating early warning systems, to create stronger and more resilient communities.  To donate to the IDRF, please call 1-800-418-1111 or click here to donate online.

Posted:  October 21, 2011