So far, an estimated 1.2 million people have been impacted by Hurricane Irma and the powerful storm still poses a serious threat to millions more as it continues to barrel through the Caribbean.
The Red Cross is on the ground, responding to the needs of people who have already been affected, while still ramping up readiness in areas where the category 5 hurricane has yet to make landfall. Relief supplies are on standby in Panama and the Dominican Republic to ensure an immediate response if needed.
“The Canadian Red Cross is ready to support those impacted by Hurricane Irma,” says Chiran Livera, Senior Manger for International Operations. “We already have a presence in the area and are in constant conversations with the International Federation of Red Cross to support the mobilization of regional teams.”
Given the isolation of some of the islands, logistics are expected to be one of the biggest challenges of this response operation. Hurricane Irma also poses significant risks for infrastructure and housing, another challenge for those living in vulnerable conditions.
Teams have already started working on estimating damage, but the full extent of damage can’t be assessed until the hurricane passes. However, the International Federation of the Red Cross is expecting to be delivering extensive support to thousands over the coming weeks and months.
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The Red Cross is on the ground, responding to the needs of people who have already been affected, while still ramping up readiness in areas where the category 5 hurricane has yet to make landfall. Relief supplies are on standby in Panama and the Dominican Republic to ensure an immediate response if needed.
“The Canadian Red Cross is ready to support those impacted by Hurricane Irma,” says Chiran Livera, Senior Manger for International Operations. “We already have a presence in the area and are in constant conversations with the International Federation of Red Cross to support the mobilization of regional teams.”
Given the isolation of some of the islands, logistics are expected to be one of the biggest challenges of this response operation. Hurricane Irma also poses significant risks for infrastructure and housing, another challenge for those living in vulnerable conditions.
Teams have already started working on estimating damage, but the full extent of damage can’t be assessed until the hurricane passes. However, the International Federation of the Red Cross is expecting to be delivering extensive support to thousands over the coming weeks and months.
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