Last update: 7:26 p.m. EDT Sept. 12, 2008
WASHINGTON, Sept 12, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Nearly
400,000 people still in shelters
The American Red Cross is committing $1 million from its International
Response Fund to support the disaster relief efforts of the Red Cross in
Cuba in response to the devastation caused by two consecutive
hurricanes. Nearly 400,000 people remain in shelters and the
agricultural sector is severely damaged.
"The situation in the Caribbean, particularly in Cuba and Haiti, is
desperate and our hearts go out to the people impacted by the recent
calamities," said David Meltzer, senior vice president of international
services at the American Red Cross.
When Hurricane Gustav hit the island of Cuba on August 31 as a category
4 storm, it was considered the worst storm to hit the island in 50
years. Just as recovery efforts for the first hurricane were underway,
Hurricane Ike hit eastern Cuba as a category 3 hurricane and slowly
moved west over two long days, affecting 100 percent of the island and
exacerbating the damage from Gustav.
"The infrastructure has been hit hard," says Jose Reyes, disaster
management delegate in Cuba for the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies. "In addition, about one-third of the
population was evacuated during the storms and 30,000 houses were
destroyed and 320,000 houses were affected."
A cargo plane carrying emergency kits for 3,300 families already arrived
in Cuba from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies' regional disaster unit in Panama. More supplies will be
transported as needed.
Currently the Cuban Red Cross is working in shelters, distributing food
and delivering first aid. The American Red Cross contribution will
support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies in their distribution of relief supplies, shelter kits and
supplies, water filters and materials to repair damaged homes.
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each
year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International
Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support
through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those
in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions
to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American
Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response
Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can make a
secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American
Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to
a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.
Editorial Note: Spokespeople are available to do interviews in Cuba
(Spanish) and Washington, D.C. (English and Spanish). For more
information, contact the American Red Cross at 202-303-5551.
SOURCE American Red Cross
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