War in Iraq-Baghdad hospitals under intense pressure

Deepest concern for civilians trying to flee the fighting in the city, seeking refuge elsewhere and for the war-wounded trying to get to hospitals, was expressed this morning by the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross, David Andrews SC.

"A humanitarian disaster may well be unfolding as people try to reach hospitals which are already straining to cope with the numbers of war-wounded that have arrived over the past week" he said.

And David Andrews spoke of his horror that civilians could face delays getting treatment as the hospitals come under more and more pressure.

"I am particularly worried about the civilian population of both Baghdad and Basra. It horrifies me to think that little children, older people and all the other vulnerable groups who are simply trying to survive, might not be able to get adequate treatment quickly enough to save their lives," said the Irish Red Cross Chairman.

In a renewed appeal to Irish people to support the work that the Red Cross is doing in hospitals in Baghdad and Basra, David Andrews said that money donated to the Irish Red Cross could be used right now to help save lives in Baghdad hospitals.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported the Red Cross Iraq Appeal so far, and remind everyone that we are still receiving funds in an effort to raise ?164 million for the International Red Cross? work in Iraq. Anyone who wishes to help can donate by telephone to 1850 50 70 70 or online to www.redcross.ie", he concluded.

Reports from the International Red Cross describe population movements in Baghdad as "frenetic". No one is able to keep accurate statistics of the admitted and transferred war wounded any longer as one emergency arrival follows the other in the hospitals of Baghdad. Ambulances are picking up the wounded and running them to the triage areas and on to hospitals. Some of the wounded try to reach the nearest hospitals by foot.

Supplies of water are a major concern in all hospitals. In Baghdad, the lack of electricity has caused severe reductions in water pressure, with Red Cross water bag stocks used-up by the weekend. An additional 30,000 one-litre bags will be delivered today. While in Basrah, where hospitals have had an inadequate supply for days, many are now relying on untreated water. The Red Cross is supplying 10,000 litres of treated water per day per hospital.

Ends.