The Red Cross is mobilising personnel in the Caribbean to assist in relief efforts following the onslaught of Hurricane Ivan yesterday. Ivan, a category three hurricane ripped through the Caribbean islands of Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Tobago and Barbados leaving a trail of damage to property and millions of dollars in losses.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (The Federation) has already released Disaster Relief Emergency Funds (DREF) to the tune of CHF 100,000 (approx US$78,500) to assist in relief efforts and is hoping to deploy a team to Grenada early tomorrow. In addition, preparations are being made for the possible worldwide launch of an Emergency Appeal which may also cover Jamaica , Cuba and other islands which could be affected depending on the path of the storm.

Grenada was the most significantly impacted of all the islands. Current reports indicate significant damage with three deaths reported so far. Utilities in all areas are out. The capital of St George's suffered incalculable damage. The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and the Prime Minister's (PM) residence were destroyed. No one in the EOC or PM's residence was reported hurt. An alternative EOC is being set up. The main hospital was damaged as well as some shelters.

Earlier this morning, a state of emergency was declared on the island and the PM Dr Keith Mitchell is expected to address the nation during the course of the day. There are unconfirmed reports that the control stations at the Pt Salines airport are not functioning, however, it is hoped that the airport will re-open today giving access to the island.

Attempts to contact the Grenada Red Cross (GRC) are proving difficult, but Mr Terry Charles, director general of the GRC on Monday said the Red Cross Red Cross' communication and emergency power equipment was being brought on line and volunteers were being put on standby. GRC also loaned cots to the national hospital's hostel for the extra staff that had to remain on site because of the passage of the hurricane.

In St Vincent and the Grenadines , no fatalities or severe casualties have been reported, but there has been significant residential damage. Some coastal structures have been washed into the sea. Roof loss and damage has been reported mainly on the windward side of the island. More than 1,000 people are in 28 shelters throughout the island. Power is down island wide. Areas which sustained most damage were Georgetown , Canaries, and Argyle.

Mrs Nerlene Cambridge, secretary of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross said the Red Cross has personnel in 25 of the 28 shelters on the island. She noted that more staff will be deployed to the remaining three after the all clear is given.

Mrs Terry Gaillard, director general of the St Lucia Red Cross said there were no fatalities, but two persons were injured while attempting roof repairs during the hurricane. Four shelters are open on the island and some elderly persons were placed in the Ave Maria School in Castries . Those persons with damaged roofs were placed in a shelter while others were relocated from waterfront properties.

Mrs Gaillard said the St Lucia Red Cross remains on standby to assist if required.

Mr Edmond Bradshaw, director general of the Barbados Red Cross said they had personnel on standby to provide First Aid services and shelters. He added that they were also providing help for people to return home. There has been substantial damage to residential property. More than 221 houses were damaged particularly in the southern part of the island in the parishes of Christ Church , St Philip and St Michael.

In Tobago , one fatality was reported - a pregnant woman. The Emergency Operations Centre in Tobago remains operational and is coordinating response. Fourteen villages reported damage, 33 homes reported either total or partial roof damage, and utilities are down across many areas of the island. There is also a shortage of food on the island.

Mr Scott Muznieks, disaster management officer, at the Trinidad branch of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross (TTRCS) said they were trying to assist Tobago and were sending two vehicles - an ambulance and a van across to the island via ferry. He said they were also hoping to send across food and personnel to assist with relief efforts.

Even though hurricane warnings have been discontinued on most of these islands, Ivan, now a category 4 hurricane is still being monitored as it is heading for the Central Caribbean Sea and a hurricane warning is in effect for Aruba , Bonaire and Curacao .

The Government of Haiti has issued a hurricane watch for the entire southwest peninsula of Haiti from the border of the Dominican Republic westward including Port-au-Prince . A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the south western coast of the Dominican Republic from Santo Domingo westward to Pedernales and Jamaica .

For further information, please contact:
In Trinidad:
Allison Ali
Information Officer
Tel: (868) 624-1557/624-2665
Fax: (868) 627-9627
E-mail: ifrctt07@ifrc.org