'People will be in need of clean linen, clothing, appliances, household items and foodstuff and we are asking our groups and organisations to help mobilise and coordinate relief for affected victims. NGOs and CSOs are well-positioned to identify and serve the persons in need and should collaborate with their local government officials and members of Parliament and national relief agencies to help alleviate the sufferings of flood-stricken districts.' - Dr Kris Rampersad, International Relations Director, Network of NGOs for the Advancement of Women on Flood Relief efforts
NGOs pledge to help
The TT Red Cross Society (TTRCS) has not issued a public appeal but is doing its part by preparing hampers. An official of the TTRCS said volunteers were out on the field doing assessments.
A disaster officer disclosed that they visited Macaulay, Preysal, Gasparillo and Waterloo along with officials of the Office of Disaster Relief and Management. First-aid at shelters in Gasparillo and Waterloo is being handled by the TTRCS.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) will provide assistan
ce to affected persons through its 69 branches located across the country. President of the Society Rudolph Boneo said the SVP customarily received donation “drop offs” and the branches will network with the head office about persons at parishes in need.
The Congress of the People’s Flagship House, Tragarete Road, Port-of-Spain is the collection site for tinned food, baby items and toiletries donated by the public. The COP has asked for food items, baby items, water and first-aid supplies to be dropped off. Collection is from 7.30 am. Further information can be obtained by calling 6222-5817.
A San Fernando Relief Centre has been established at the corner of Lower Hillside and Coffee Street next to Black Gold. Supplies can be delivered between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm. A request was made for water, mattresses, blankets tinned foods etc.
The COP thanked citizens for showing compassion and dedication to assist their brothers and sisters in their “time of need”.
The Network of Non-Governmental Organisations yesterday called for all its member organisations, other NGOs and civil society organisations (CSO) to coordinate and mobilise relief efforts for flood victims in their districts.
In a release, international relations director for the Network Dr Kris Rampersad said, “People will be in need of clean linen, clothing, appliances, household items and foodstuff and we are asking our groups and organisations to help mobilise and coordinate relief for affected victims.”
She said NGOs and CSOs were well positioned to identify and serve the persons in need and should collaborate with their local government officials and members of Parliament “and national relief agencies to help alleviate the sufferings of flood-stricken districts.”
The Health Ministry issued an advisory on food and water safety after floods advising persons affected not to cook or eat fruits and vegetables or food in bags or cartons soaked in flood waters. Food in damaged cans or any poultry or animals drowned in floods should not be eaten. The ministry warned against bathing or playing in flood waters, as these can carry water-borne diseases. “Wear rubber gloves and other protective clothing for personal protection during clean-up to avoid direct skin contact with contaminated material.”
To disinfect water the ministry suggested boiling water until it reached “rolling boil for one minute”. A one-eighth teaspoon (0.75 ml) or eight drops of bleach should be used to one gallon of water and the water should be allowed to stand for 30 minutes.
