Red Cross Launches Hurricane Melissa Appeal
The Bermuda Red Cross has launched a disaster cash appeal to support all islands affected by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda Red Cross is launching a disaster cash appeal for those affected by Hurricane Melissa. This appeal will include all Islands hit by the massive storm.
“Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica as a category 5 hurricane around midday on Tuesday with sustained winds of up to 185mph [295km/h], the worst hurricane to hit the island since meteorological records began. It took hours to cross Jamaica before first weakening and then intensifying again.
“Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness declared the island a ‘disaster area’ and authorities warned residents to remain sheltered because of continued flooding and the risk of landslides.
“A downgraded Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba early this morning in Santiago de Cuba province on the island’s southern coast. It hit with maximum sustained winds of approximately 120miles [195km] per hour. Cuban residents fled the coast as it approached, with local authorities declaring a ‘state of alert’ in six eastern provinces.
“We will have updates as it moves on through Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands today and tomorrow.”
As Patron of the Bermuda Red Cross, Governor Andrew Murdoch CMG, said: “Hurricane Melissa is creating a path of destruction which will leave many individuals and families in need of urgent assistance. Having worked with the Red Cross movement for many years, I have always been impressed by their expertise and ability to act quickly to help get humanitarian aid to where it is needed most. They work well with local authorities to supplement and support their efforts, ensuring that donations go to where the need is greatest. I fully support this disaster appeal and urge those wanting to help those affected to give what they can. Every donation makes a difference. I would like to thank the Bermuda Red Cross for their initiative in calling this appeal.”
The spokesperson said, “Executive Director, Ann Spencer-Arscott kindly urges the public not to drop off unsolicited goods at this time. Though well-intentioned, the logistics of transporting goods from Bermuda at this time is costly and can often create a ‘second disaster’ by overwhelming ports and delaying critical aid for which funding is needed.
“Donations can be made by direct deposit into the following account:
- Bermuda Red Cross
- Bank of N.T. Butterfield
- 20 006 060 663859 200
“To make a payment via Credit Card over the phone, please call us on 236-8253 ext 2 – Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm with your card details or feel free to stop by our office.
“The best way to help a disaster victim is through a financial donation to the Red Cross. Financial contributions allow the Red Cross to purchase exactly what is needed for the disaster relief operation. The Red Cross initially responds to most international relief efforts with monetary support, and, when needed, ships items such as comfort kits, clean-up kits, medical supplies, tents, tarps and water. Monetary donations also enable the Red Cross to purchase relief supplies close to the disaster site, which avoids delays, and transportation costs in getting necessities to disaster victims. Because the affected community has generally experienced significant economic loss, purchasing relief supplies in or close to the disaster site also helps to stimulate the weakened local economy.”
