Irish People respond generously to Irish Red Cross appeal for Asia

David Andrews, Chairman of the Irish Red Cross said he was very pleased with the response of Irish people to the appeal for donations.

“I’d like to thank all those who have taken the time to give money to us which we will send to the region. While many of the donations are indeed substantial, I would like to stress that all donations – no matter how small – are greatly appreciated,” said the Irish Red Cross Chairman.

The whole Red Cross and Red Crescent movement is focussed on delivering aid to the affected regions. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an appeal of Euro 32.3 million, for what the chief of the worldwide organisation – Mr Marku Niskala – termed “the largest catastrophe” the organisation had seen. The focus of the operation at the moment is as follows;

Sri Lanka; medical supplies and medicines for 120,000 people; flights carrying relief items (tents, food etc) from Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world; IFRC field assessment and co-ordination teams on the ground; and eight emergency response units specialized in water sanitation, health care, aid distribution and logistics. 40,000 Sri Lankans housed in 66 Red Cross shelters.

The other arm of the international Red Cross/Red Crescent – the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – has also got involved in the Sri Lankan relief operation. The ICRC, which normally deals with war-related work, is helping to evacuate the wounded, remove mortal remains and assist families displace by the disaster. The ICRC will provide aid for 150,000 people in the north and east of Sri Lanka.

India: 5,000 family kits containing blankets, cooking utensils, mosquito nets etc distributed. Major needs are anticipated from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Indonesia; Five emergency response teams are being sent to assist with water and sanitation, logistics, basic health and telecommunications.

There has been a longstanding active Red Cross presence in the Aceh province (the epicentre of the earthquake) because of the work being done by the ICRC in relation to the ongoing conflict.

Maldives: A field assessment and co-ordination team was sent there yesterday. Reports are expected.

Ends.