Algeria: Vital assistance for flood victims

The Algerian Red Crescent (ARC) has set up two aid centres in Algiers (one in Bab el Oued and another in Oued el Koureich) to assist some 1,000 people affected by the dramatic recent floods. The ARC is also working in areas where no other assistance is currently available, particularly in Tipaza, west of the capital, where it is helping 1,000 families – some 6,000 people.

The Algerian Red Crescent centres are serving hot meals and distributing cooking utensils, blankets, tents and warm clothing. The organization has also set up a network to distribute aid from Algerian and foreign donors.

In addition to providing material assistance, the ARC has set up counselling facilities in its aid centres, offering psychological support to people traumatized by the disaster.

The ICRC had earlier ordered 2,000 blankets and 240 first-aid kits for the ARC as part of a programme to support first-aid work. These supplies reached Algiers on 6 November and are being made available to the flood victims.

The ICRC has sent two satellite phones to Algiers following the collapse of the telephone system and is otherwise helping the National Society to put people separated from their loved ones back in touch. As a result, people on both sides of the Mediterranean have been able to contact their relatives.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies sent a team to Algiers on 13 November to support the ARC’s efforts to help the flood victims. In particular, the Federation will provide tents, blankets, cots, hygiene kits and electric generators. ARC volunteers will be hard at work over the coming days and we eks helping thousands of people in the worst-affected regions.