|
Death Toll in Haiti Continues to Rise
Written by
Lesly C. Hallman
, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Tuesday, September 28, 2004 — As many as 1,500 people were killed in Haiti after Tropical Storm Jeanne hit the island nation more than a week ago, dumping heavy rains that caused deadly flooding and mudslides. In Haiti, relief workers are struggling to distribute supplies to hungry residents, some who have not eaten since their homes were destroyed.
The northern city of Gonaives was devastated, and residents are wading through streets trying to find missing loved ones and mourning the dead. Mass graves are being dug and hundreds of bodies were in the town’s hospital, turning it into a morgue. Some officials have reported that as much as 80 percent of the country is under water to some degree, and they expect fatalities to rise as the water subsides.
Seven Red Cross relief flights have landed in Haiti since Tropical Storm Jeanne struck. (Photo Credit: IFRC) |
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has issued an emergency appeal appeal for $3.3 million to assist 40,000 beneficiaries in Haiti for six months. Funds will support delivering relief supplies to flood victims, including food and kitchen equipment, plastic sheeting, jerry cans, tents, treated mosquito nets, first aid kits, water purification tablets and hygiene articles.
The Haitian National Red Cross Society is working with Red Cross societies around the world, as well as other humanitarian agencies, to mobilize the delivery of food and relief items to devastated residents. At least five flights from the IFRC and other national Red Cross societies with more than 60 tons of relief supplies are already on the ground in Haiti.
The carnage in Haiti comes less than four months after heavy rains caused flooding that killed at least 1,600 and left at least 1,700 others missing and presumed dead. Haiti is prone to flooding because of heavy deforestation that has left the country without natural barriers to hold back rushing waters or deadly mudslides.
The ICRC has created a special database to help families around the world located those they have lost touch with in Haiti. More information is available on the ICRC website. “The international Red Cross community has come together to support the dire needs of these flood victims,” said American Red Cross spokeswoman Jacki Flowers.
Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas, with a per capita income of about $1,400 annually and a life expectancy of 53. The country has also experienced widespread political unrest this year.
A Haitian Red Cross truck approaches Gonaďves with much needed relief supplies.(Photo Credit: IFRC) |
In the Dominican Republic, Haiti's neighbor to the east, at least 34 deaths were attributed to the storm, and many experienced widespread flooding and power outages. According to the Dominican Red Cross at least 8,000 people were evacuated and moved into shelters, and many returned home to find extensive damage to houses and crops. Seven deaths were reported in Puerto Rico as well.
The Pan-American Disaster Response Unit, a regional, highly-specialized disaster response division of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is beginning damage assessments and distribution of supplies in the affected areas with the Haitian National Red Cross Society.
You can help those affected by the flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti and countless other crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to those in need. Donate online or call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Donations can also be mailed to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
Related Links:
|
