The Belize Red Cross appeals for donations to assist in response to volcanic eruptions in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

By Zoila Palma: The Belize Red Cross is appealing to the public to donate funds towards emergency response operations needed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in response to volcanic eruptions.

The La Soufrière has been erupting since April 9, 2021 and the explosive eruptive phase is expected to continue for days and possibly even weeks.

“Subsequent explosions are also expected to be of similar or larger magnitude. Some 20,000 persons (about 18% of the population) have been relocated from the north of the island, with over 3,500 persons being housed in official shelters. The numbers of persons requesting shelter continues to rise,” the Belize Red Cross noted.

Heavy ash-fall is affecting persons with respiratory conditions.

The ash has also impacted housing, drainage and infrastructure including the water and electricity supply.

“COVID-19 concerns are compounding the uncertainty of the safety of evacuees and residents,” the statement added.

Those wishing to contribute financially can do so:

Belize Red Cross Disaster Appeal accounts at Heritage Bank Ltd – Account #1082665

The Belize Bank Limited – Account #13564801010120001

Belize Bank Corporation Limited – Account #9141645 (formerly Scotiabank (Belize Ltd)

The Belize Red Cross says that all donations received will be forwarded to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) emergency response that is being taken in support of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross (SVGRC).

In addition, the Belize Red Cross will provide support with:

evacuation needs assessments and posting of evacuation signs and information posters

evacuation of affected persons and distribution of blankets, mattresses

deployment of IFRC rapid response teams to support the SVGRC

deployment of prepositioned stocks from the IFRC regional stockpile

shelter management and support

tracing and family reunification

 water and sanitation and hygiene needs, for evacuees

 distribution of family hygiene kits.

 Implementation of a Cash program to cover essential needs such as food, health, transport, education.

They are also working on providing COVID-19 hygiene items to those in collective centres and those staying in private locations.

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