The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.
JAPAN: At least 31 people
are known to have perished following the unexpected volcanic eruption of Japan’s Mount Ontake on Saturday, September 27. Over 250 hikers were at the peak when the volcano, which lies about 130 miles west of Tokyo, began spewing rocks, ash and thick smoke. Most managed to find their way to safety but 45 remained missing. The Japanese Red Cross immediately dispatched seven Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) to the area to care for survivors. They also distributed over 400 blankets and 35 sleeping kits to hikers coming off the mountain.
MEXICO: The Mexican Red Cross continues to support communities affected by Hurricane Odile. On September 21, the Red Cross distributed 20 tons of humanitarian aid to the community of Ampliación Vista Hermosa in the municipality of Los Cabos, in the state of Southern Baja California. Furthermore, 350 food parcels will support around 400,000 people in different towns in the city of La Paz, capital of the state of Baja California. To date, the Mexican Red Cross has mobilized 70,000 kilos of humanitarian aid to the state of Southern Baja California which will be distributed to those affected in the municipality of Los Cabos, the zone most heavily affected following hurricane Odile.