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Solomon Islands Tsunami Prompts American Red Cross Response
Katie Lawson, Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Wednesday, April 04, 2007 — A devastating tsunami struck off the coast of the Western Provinces of the Solomon Islands early this week following a powerful earthquake and many subsequent after shocks. The first quake reached a magnitude of 8.1 on the Richter scale, causing much destruction throughout the island nation. Many shocks were felt for several days following the massive wave that destroyed homes, hospitals and schools.
The American Red Cross is responding to an emergency appeal from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation) to aid tsunami survivors. The donation of $50,000 from the American Red Cross will be used to assist the Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) provide affected communities with safe drinking water, medical care and emergency shelter.
“The main focus of the work of Red Cross in the Solomon Islands now will focus on getting relief where it is needed as quickly as possible,” said Nan Buzard, Senior Director of International Disaster Response for the American Red Cross. “We are concerned about the more remote areas, which Red Cross workers are accessing by canoe where necessary.”
With the help of trained volunteers, the SIRC responded to the disaster immediately, carrying out early assessments and distributing relief goods including hurricane lamps, blankets, tarps and cooking sets which were stored in a Red Cross warehouse in the small town of Gizo.
As damage assessment continues, early reports indicate that more than 5,000 people have been made homeless by the tsunami. The International Federation is working closely with the SIRC to meet immediate and long term needs of the survivors.
The American Red Cross continues to assist survivors of the Asian tsunami that struck the region in 2004.
Every day people around the world are suffering from disasters, like the cyclone in Myanmar. You can help those affected by this crisis and countless others 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. 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 by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or mailing your donation, with the designation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
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