Hurricane appeal launched
2007-08-22 22:07
Geneva - The Red Cross launched an international appeal for $1.3m on Wednesday to help 35 000 people affected by Hurricane Dean in the Caribbean.
The money will be used to provide basic supplies such as blankets, mosquito repellent and water purification tablets, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement.
At least nine people across the region died during the first hurricane of the season, which was also one of the strongest in recent years when it hit Mexico on Tuesday.
The Red Cross said the emergency response was well prepared.
"Dean has demonstrated, once again, that planning and preparedness really pay off when it comes to protecting people," said Stephen McAndrew, the Federation's disaster response chief in the region.
"But many vulnerable and remote communities have suffered a lot of damage and are going to need support in getting back on their feet."
In Jamaica, affected urban communities need food, tarpaulins, cooking utensils and hygiene items, while farming and fishing communities will need help with recovery, the Federation said.
Similar communities in Haiti, Dominican Republic, St Lucia and Martinique, also need assistance, it added.
A weakened Hurricane Dean was swirling over the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday after slamming onto Mexico's Caribbean coast as a category five storm, having gained pace as it wrought turmoil in the Caribbean since the weekend.