Red Cross shifts focus to Grenada's long-term needs

14 October 2004

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) is winding up its emergency relief operation on the battered island of Grenada and turning its attention to the population's longer term needs.

In the emergency phase of the Red Cross operation, some 65,000 people, or two-thirds of the island's entire population, have already received urgently needed aid such as food, shelter and hygiene items.

"The Grenada Red Cross with the Federation's support has completed the emergency distribution phase as planned in less than three weeks. The Red Cross was the first and only organization running a massive food distribution at the early emergency stage," said Alexandre Claudon de Vernisy, leader of the Federation's Field Assessment and Co-ordination Team (FACT).

Relief goods from the Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) and Caribbean Red Cross Societies were in place just a few days after the hurricane hit, and the operation started immediately, covering all six parishes of the country.

Through the work of volunteers, the Red Cross distributed 11,259 food parcels, 7,211 hygiene kits and 14,140 tarpaulins to more than 10,000 families. The emergency phase achieved its aim to provide people's basic and immediate needs in food, water and hygiene and help people return to their homes by providing tarpaulins to protect their houses from the rain.

The Red Cross operation was carried out in a well organized and co-ordinated way as the team received the support of the airport and customs authorities. Beneficiaries have expressed satisfaction and discipline during relief distribution.

Mr Claudon de Vernisy praised Red Cross staff and volunteers who are themselves survivors of the hurricane, but demonstrated commitment to make effective distribution possible.

Ivan swept through Grenada on September 7, leaving death and destruction in its wake, before moving on to pound Jamaica, Cuba, the Cayman Islands and finally the US states of Florida and Alabama in the United States (US).

Ninety percent of Grenada 's buildings and infrastructure were destroyed or damaged leaving 50 percent of the population homeless. The backbone of the country's economy - tourism and agriculture - will take years to recover.

The island is still without electricity. All telecommunication systems were struck down, and telephone connections are still limited to the mobile network.

The relief operation took care of the most immediate needs of the population, but recovery will take years.

As part of the Federation's post emergency rehabilitation, zinc sheets for roof construction will be provided to 800 families, following a house to house assessment.

The Federation will also focus on providing psychological support to the affected people through the promotion of healthy ways to identify and deal with stressful situations. This initiative is very important in a situation where almost everyone is affected in one way or the other. Support for this programme will be provided through a network of trained volunteers from the neighbouring Jamaica Red Cross.