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Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Noel have caused massive flooding and mudslides in the Caribbean. The storm has left some 54 dead and destroyed at least 6,500 homes in the Dominican Republic. Hundreds of thousands of people have sought emergency aid. In response to a desperate call for help from our partner in the country, the Dominican Association of the Order of Malta, AmeriCares sent an emergency air shipment of vital medicines and supplies to meet the immediate needs of those affected.
“We are water saturated! Never seen so much rain! The storm has been going on for four days and we still have one more day to go,” emailed Clara Jimenes of the Dominican Association of the Order of Malta.
AmeriCares sent skin medicines, cough and cold medicines, antibiotics, and other emergency supplies valued at a more than $2 million, all which provide critical aid to people impacted by torrential storms and their aftermath.
“We have a long-standing relationship with our partner in the Dominican Republic and reached out to them immediately to offer assistance when Tropical Storm Noel swept through the region,” said John Connell, AmeriCares director of emergency response. “As soon as we heard their urgent call for help, we began to prepare a relief shipment.”
Emergency workers in the country expect the numbers of displaced and injured to rise as entire communities have been cut off by raging rivers and roads blocked by mudslides and collapsed bridges. Furthermore, the storm has wiped out many plantain and vegetable farms, virtually destroying the livelihoods of many who already struggle to survive on a day-to-day basis.
AmeriCares has also reached out to its partners in Haiti, where the storm passed through causing further damage.