The Jamaica Red Cross has provided relief for two hundred affected families in the parish of St. Mary. The families were affected by flooding which was a result of excessive rainfall in the parish during the period November 22-26, 2006.

The Jamaica Red Cross to date has distributed 200 hygiene kits, 180 food packages, 200 cases of bottled water, 220 blankets, 50 mattresses, 20 tarpaulins and 10 kitchen kits, as well as a barrel of clothes. At least another fifty more mattresses are to be sent with more barrels of clothes.

Assessments carried out in St. Mary by the St Mary and Portland branches of the Red Cross revealed that just over 400 families have been severely displaced after sustaining loss of home stock and water damage to household effects.  The primary needs were determined to be mattresses, blankets, water, food, clothing and tarpaulins. The Jamaica Red Cross has partnered with other agencies such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Ministry of Labour & Social Security (MLSS) to assist the persons affected.

Jamaica Red Cross received funding from the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies to procure and distribute the above items as well as aid in the provision of Psychosocial Support for those adversely affected by the floods.

The Jamaica Red Cross is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) which has over 183 member societies worldwide. The Jamaica Red Cross through its network of dedicated volunteers aims to “improve the lives of the most vulnerable.”

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For further information please contact the Jamaica Red Cross National Headquarters at
Tel: 984-7860-2, Fax: 984-8272 or Email:msinclair@jamaicaredcross.org, daisylilly@jamaicaredcross.org, tdasilva@jamaicaredcross.org