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As Hurricane Sandy blasts its way north from the Caribbean, where it claimed more than five dozen lives, AmeriCares stands prepared to rush emergency aid and, if needed, deploy relief workers to areas hardest hit by the oncoming storm.
Our U.S. and ER teams have reached out to 130 response partners in several states to assess potential needs and will be in continued contact as the storm progresses. In the meantime, our stock of targeted medicines and supplies is positioned for immediate shipment, with special focus on chronic care meds, first aid, water, family emergency kits, and other relief supplies.
“This storm is going to affect the densely populated Eastern seaboard, and is likely to cause significant damage to homes and businesses and disrupt transportation systems,” said Garrett Ingoglia, AmeriCares vice president of emergency response. “This is going to be a very serious storm, and we are ready to help in any way we can.”
The monstrous, Category 1 storm is predicted to make landfall on the mid-Atlantic shore on Monday, October 29, merging with a powerful cold front as it pounds its way northward and inland. Damaging 60-80 mph winds, torrential rains, dangerous storm surges, flooding, heavy snow in higher elevations and widespread power failures are expected. Officials estimate that the slow-moving system could affect 50-60 million people from the East Coast to the Great Lakes.
A state of emergency has been declared in 8 states, and mass evacuations ordered in many coastal areas. The New York City mass transit and subway system are closing at 7:00 pm October 28 in anticipation of the storm’s wrath.
Hurricane response continues in Haiti
Regardless of the hurricane’s track, preparation is essential for people living in the storm’s path.
Get Hurricane preparedness tips from AmeriCares experts »
In Haiti, where the storm caused severe flooding this week, AmeriCares responded swiftly with deliveries of cholera treatment and prevention supplies. The Haiti team also prepared hundreds of family emergency kits with disinfectants, cleaning products and first aid supplies, and replenished a dwindling stock of emergency medicines at a major hospital in Port-au-Prince.
Support AmeriCares relief efforts as we prepare for and continue to respond to Hurricane Sandy.
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