Red Cross calls for help for Trinidad flood victims
Trinidad ambulance on flooded road
(CNS Local Life): The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) has launched an appeal to help Trinidad and Tobago which has been dealing with one of the worst natural disasters in that nation’s history with the flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains last month. The rains, over a 48-hour period (18-19 October), have affected an estimated 150,000 people according to reports coming out of the country, and the government officially declared the situation a national disaster, stated a CIRC press release.
The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society (TTRCS) deployed several teams to conduct damage and needs assessments, provide psychological support, distribute emergency items, and assist in the clean-up efforts in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, and they are continuing to work with the most vulnerable persons affected, the CIRC said in the press release.
“As the operation priorities transition from response to early recovery, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society (TTRCS) continues to provide support to the affected residents,” said TTRCS president Jill DeBourg.
“Our damage assessment teams have joined forces in coordination with the local government and social development teams to complete house to house damage assessments and complete government grant application forms so persons can begin to purchase items lost,” she added.
Submerged cars in Trinidad
Over the next three months, the TTRC will focus on identifying beneficiaries by conducting house-to-house surveys, and they will continue to provide psycho-social support to the affected population and the volunteers, the release said. The focus of the operations will be on the nine hardest-hit communities in Trinidad and one community in Tobago.
“In typical Caymankind fashion we have been receiving numerous phone calls from our residents asking for ways to support Trinidad and Tobago,” said CIRC deputy director Carolina Ferreira. “The people of Cayman know far too well what it’s like to be affected by disaster and we can help, so that is what we intend to do.”
As for the types of donations being accepted, Ferreira stressed, “We will not be collecting any items to send to Trinidad because that is not cost effective and will also limit the response efforts by restricting their ability to meet the changing needs of the affected families.”
Donations to the Trinidad and Tobago Floods Appeal can be made at Butterfield Bank (account #1360350540060) or at the Red Cross Corporate Centre office on 27 Hospital Road, first floor.
The appeal will run through 30 November. For more information, email the CIRC or call 949-6785
Category: Community, Donations, Service Organisations
As a Trinidadian residing in the Cayman Islands, I feel really touched by this gesture and wish to thank the Cayman Islands Red Cross and all persons who have expressed concern. May God bless you.
Ditto