American Red Cross Responds To Solomon Islands Tsunami

The American Red Cross
is contributing $50,000 in response to the emergency appeal from the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to assist
survivors of the tsunami that left an estimated 5,000 homeless in the
Solomon Islands, following Monday's powerful 8.2 magnitude earthquake in
the South Pacific.


The funds will be used to assist the Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC)
to help affected communities to have immediate access to safe drinking
water, medical care and emergency shelter.



According to Nan Buzard, Sr. Director of International Disaster
Response for the American Red Cross, "The main focus of the work of Red
Cross in the Solomon Islands now will focus on getting relief where it is
needed as quickly as possible." Reports from the area indicate that
aftershocks still continue. "We are concerned about the more remote areas,
which Red Cross workers are accessing by canoe where necessary," said
Buzard.



The local Red Cross responded immediately to the disaster, carrying out
early assessments and distributing relief goods including hurricane lamps,
blankets, tarps and cooking sets which were stored in a Red Cross warehouse
in Gizo.



The American Red Cross continues to assist victims of the tsunami that
hit the region in 2004.



You can help those affected by 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.. Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red
Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund,
P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure
online contribution by visiting redcross. 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.


American Red Cross

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