Tens of thousands of people are in need of emergency help in areas affected by the armed conflict
WASHINGTON, DC, August 13, 2008 - The American Red Cross is contributing $100,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in support of their efforts to help meet the humanitarian needs of tens of thousands of people affected by the ongoing conflict in Georgia.
"With many people injured and many more fleeing their homes as a result of the conflict, medical and relief supplies are urgently needed," says Alex Mahoney, manager of disaster response for Asia, Middle East, and Europe, for the American Red Cross. "Our initial support will go to help extend the relief work of the ICRC on the ground, while we evaluate additional response options."
The ICRC is sending additional staff specialized in health and water and sanitation to reinforce the current ICRC field operations in both Georgia and Russia. On Tuesday, the ICRC flew 15 tons of medicine and medical supplies, as well as a surgical team, to Georgia to help treat the injured. In addition, the flight was also carrying material for a water-treatment plant and tanks to hold enough water for 20,000 people.
To expedite additional relief flights, the ICRC has established an air bridge from its logistics center in Amman, Jordan, to Tbilisi, and is sending a shipment of 35 tons of relief supplies, including blankets, tarps, buckets, hygiene items and containers for collecting clean water due to leave shortly. Future shipments will include rice and food parcels.
"We see a need for basic things, such as food, water and hygiene items at the shelter centers we are visiting both in and around Tbilisi and in Zugdidi, in western Georgia," said Dominique Liengme, the ICRC's head of delegation in Georgia.
In addition to providing medical and emergency relief, the ICRC is assessing the tracing needs of people who have lost contact with their loved ones. ICRC staff has met with a number of civilians who are anxiously trying to locate their relatives and will work to restore links between family members separated from each other.
You can help the victims of 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. 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 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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