HURRICANE IRMA: 1.2 MILLION WITHOUT ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER IN DR

 

Spokespeople are available in Haiti, Dominican Republic and London. For interviews please contact +447831650409 or email media@savethechildren.org.uk

 

Friday, 8 September 2017 - 5:05pm

Alba Rodriguez, Save the Children Country Director in Dominican Republic says: “We believe around 20,000 people have had to flee their homes and are staying in either emergency shelters or with relatives. Aqueducts are not functioning properly leaving more than 1.2 million people without access to clean, running water, causing a huge increase in the risk of diseases such as dengue fever, leptospirosis, cholera, chikungunya and zika virus. Rain is also expected to continue which could result in the further spread of disease and cause deadly landslides.

“We are particularly concerned about the areas of San Pedro de Macoris and San Juan de la Maguana in the east of the Dominican Republic which are both completely cut off from all services and are unable to receive any emergency assistance. Our main priority is to provide life-saving aid such as water, sanitation and health services to help the children and families worst affected by Hurricane Irma, so we are working to try to get help to those stranded in these remote communities.

“We have significant experience dealing with the impact of natural disasters and can provide health expertise, relief supplies, and psychological support - whatever is needed to ensure vulnerable children can recover as soon as possible.

“We urge the generous British public to help us help those affected by this devastating Hurricane. Please visit Save the Children's website where you can donate to our Emergency Fund.”

You can donate to Save the Children’s emergency fund using this link - http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/hurricane-irma