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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | October 2005 
Mexican Red Cross Delivers Immediate Aid to Victims of Wilma in the Yucatan Peninsula
 Monica Planas - IFRC
| | Mexican policemen stop a man who tried to cross a police barricade to reach his home after Hurricane Wilma hit the resort town of Cancun in Mexico's state of Quintana Roo. (Daniel Aguilar) |
Hurricane Wilma, the 21st named hurricane of the 2005 hurricane season, has left a trail of destruction across the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Yucatan and Quintana Roo are the most affected areas.
After two days of high winds and rain, trees, electric and telephone lines are down, buildings have collapsed and many areas are cut off by blocked roads. Petrol [Gas] stations are either closed or damaged. At least four people are thought to have died. There have been reports of riots and looting in areas outside the city that had to be controlled by security forces.
The Mexican Red Cross already has delivered a 45-foot container with 28 tons of food supplies, designed to feed families of five for at least five days. The food distribution will continue by land for several days as weather conditions are much better and the rain has almost ceased.
Ten flights transported by Aero Mexico have already been prepared to send out food and bottled water to the affected areas. An additional flight from the Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) in Panama City also has been scheduled to arrive today, Oct. 24, with non-food items such as hygiene kits, kitchen sets and tarpaulins.
Immediate rescue efforts are underway in the affected areas and wherever buildings have collapsed. The Mexican Red Cross helped in the evacuation effort and are currently providing basic health care and food in different shelters.
Thirty-five shelters were established, many of them filled with tourists who were visiting Cancun when the hurricane hit. More will be needed as the constant evacuation efforts may lead to overcrowding.
“The Mexican Red Cross in Cancun has been in full alert and working around the clock since Wilma hit,” said Alexandre Claudon, a Disaster Management Delegate from PADRU who is currently supporting Operation Wilma in Mexico.
“Volunteers are currently working hard to help control the situation. Red Cross teams continue to perform outstanding work and are providing Hurricane Wilma victims with first aid and rescue efforts.”
The storm hit land on Friday, Oct. 21, and slowly lashed the area with heavy winds and rain. It has now left the Yucatan Peninsula and is heading for Florida, where thousands are preparing for its impact.
Mexican Red Cross Operation Wilma efforts will continue for several days alongside current operations to support those affected by Hurricane Stan. This work will help the thousands of victims affected by these two destructive events.
The above article, which was originally published on Oct. 24, 2005, appears courtesy of the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies.
A Note Regarding In-Kind Donations
Please remember that the American Red Cross is not able to accept small, individual donations or collections of items for emergency relief supplies. The decision to transport bulk donations from the U.S. is based solely on the needs identified by the relief operation and the availability of local resources. If you represent a company wishing to offer supplies in bulk, please contact your local Red Cross chapter.
A Note Regarding International Disaster Welfare Inquiries
Inquiries regarding non-U.S. citizens in areas of Central America affected by Hurricane Wilma (a.k.a. International Disaster Welfare Inquiries) are not being accepted at this time. The affected national Red Cross societies are fully engaged in relief activities and have not yet indicated their capacity to accept these inquiries. The American Red Cross will provide updates as they become available.
Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens who were living in or visiting a disaster-impacted area should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from inside the U.S. or 1-202-501-4444, if calling from overseas/outside the U.S. Individuals also may call the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City directly (international, long distance) at 011-5255-5080-2000, ext. 4417.
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. |
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