Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter
MORE THAN 500 families affected by Hurricane Dennis, are being assisted by relief and aid organisation, the Jamaica Red Cross.
These families are in the most affected parishes of St. Thomas, Portland, St. Catherine and Kingston and St. Andrew, the Red Cross said Tuesday.
FOUR-PERSON TEAM
A four-person team from the aid agency was assessing damage and needs in St. Thomas and Portland. It also pledged more assistance, including help to individuals dealing with trauma and stress related to the hurricane.
In the meantime, the Red Cross also said it had already pre-positioned items in some parishes, such as St. Ann and St. Elizabeth and will continue to issue food and other items, such as tarpaulins, blankets, mattresses, bleach, and disinfectant to affected parishes.
UNREACHABLE COMMUNITIES
But the Red Cross was also concerned that it was unable to reach some communities.
"For those who were in their homes during the disaster, and who have been adversely affected, assistance, though urgently needed, remains elusive for now, due to the inaccessibility of some of these communities caused by deteriorated road conditions," the Red Cross said in a release.
The aid agency said that in St. Thomas, the road leading to Cedar Valley was cut in two, preventing passage to or from the community, and creating an urgent need for helicopters to airlift much needed items.
Another organisation, Food for The Poor, said it had issued clothes, furniture and food to affected persons. It said there was increased demand for clean and bottled water.
Food for the Poor said it would be able to release more comprehensive information tomorrow.
EXPERIENCING DIARRHOEA
The Gleaner also received reports that children, especially in St. Thomas, were experiencing diarrhoea as a result of the lack of clean and available water. However, health officials there said they had no reports, but were taking steps to educate the public about safe storage and use of water and disease prevention. They have also stepped up ongoing vector control to reduce mosquito breeding.
