International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
89/04
Geneva, 28 December 2004
Asia tsunamis: Red Cross Red Crescent to launch 50-million
Swiss franc appeal in largest emergency response in modern times
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will launch
an appeal of more than 50 million Swiss francs to support its largest emergency
operation in decades. The funds will be used to help victims of the devastating
tidal waves that hit south and east Asia on December 26, leaving at least an
estimated 40,000 people dead, thousands injured, more than one million displaced,
and millions affected. All these figures are likely to rise.
"This is the largest catastrophe we have seen in decades. We haven't even
seen the tip of the iceberg yet," says Federation secretary general Markku
Niskala. "We face a huge challenge due to the vast area affected. The Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the region responded immediately with emergency
assistance. We have sent in medical aid and international teams to support our
national colleagues and we are bringing essential assistance to people who have
lost everything, family members and friends, homes and belongings. The survivors
are traumatized and we will also provide psychological support over the coming
weeks and months."
Medical supplies and medicines for some 120,000 people have been sent to Sri
Lanka, to provide basic medical care and treat possible cases of diarrhoeal
disease. Flights carrying relief items (including tents, medicines, food) from
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world have arrived in Sri Lanka
and more flights are due today.
A Federation field assessment and coordination team is on the ground in Sri
Lanka, and eight emergency response units specialized in water and sanitation,
health care, aid distribution, telecommunications and logistics are due to arrive
today and tomorrow. Access to potable water is essential to avoid the propagation
of waterborne disease, in particular malaria.
With more than 12,500 people dead, 250,000 displaced and at least 200,000 homeless,
Sri Lanka is the hardest-hit country of the region. More than 40,000 people
are being temporarily housed in 66 Red Cross camps and shelters and 14,000 are
staying with relatives and friends.
In India, some 5,000 family kits have been distributed in the Chennai (Madras)
region. These kits include blankets, cooking utensils, mosquito nets, clothes
and other emergency items. Major casualties and emergency needs are expected
from the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Five emergency response teams are being sent to Indonesia to assist with water
and sanitation, logistics, basic health and telecommunications. We fear the
death toll and the numbers of homeless and injured will significantly rise in
Indonesia as information comes in from outlying regions. A field assessment
and coordination team will leave for the Maldives today.
The International Federation's preliminary appeal for 7.5 million Swiss francs,
launched on 26 December, was fully covered within 12 hours.
For further information, or to set up interviews (ISDN line available),
please contact:
Sian Bowen, Head of Media Tel: + 41 22 730 4296 / + 41 79 217 33 88
Marie-Francoise Borel, Press Officer Tel: + 41 22 730 43 46 / + 41 79 416 38
81
The Federation, the national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
and the International Committee of the Red Cross together constitute the International
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. For further information on Federation activities,
please see our web site: www.ifrc.org
Bank details for donations to Asia Earthquake and Tsunami
appeal
Dear Friends,
If anyone is wishing to donate for the Asia Earthquake and Tsunami appeal of
the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, please
use the below information.
1. Donations direct to Geneva bank accounts
Here are Geneva bank account details which should be forwarded to anyone wishing
to donate directly to Geneva Secretariat:
a) For donations in Switzerland and non-European countries use the following:
UBS
Case Postale 2600
1211 GenEve 2
Swift code: UBSWCHZH80A
Account codes:
CHF 240-C0128346.0
USD 240-C0128346.4
EUR 240-C0573530.0
b) For donations in European countries use the following:
UBS
Case Postale 2600
1211 GenEve 2
BIC UBSWCHZH80A
Account codes:
CHF IBAN: CH58 0024 0240 C012 8346 0 USD IBAN: CH47 0024 0240 C012 8346 4 EUR
IBAN: CH62 0024 0240 C057 3530 0
For any information contact Ms Chantal Pellaton at the Red Cross in Geneva.
Telephone: + 41 22 730 43 89 or Nick Campbell: +41 22 730 43 98
2. Donations direct to delegations
For donations in Azerbaijan, please contact Mrs. Sabira Baratbaeva, Acting
head of the Delegation of the International Federation of the Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies in Azerbaijan on the following addresses and telephones:
Address: 2, Safarov street
Baku-Az1010
Azerbaijan
Telephone: 498-16-71/498 37 72
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