Philanthropists appeal to help hurricane-affected Dominica

Humanitarians are appealing for US$31 million to support the Caribbean island of Dominica, hit hard by Hurricane Maria, the United Nations has announced.

The category five storm caused catastrophic damage, leaving every one of the 71,000 inhabitants affected.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York on Friday that with nearly everything on the island destroyed or damaged, needs are "monumental."

"Through this $31-million appeal, the United Nations and its partners plan to provide humanitarian assistance and early recovery interventions over the next three months. Our colleagues at the World Food Programme (WFP) said they have delivered some 10 metric tons of high-energy biscuits to Dominica this week, including to communities in the remote interior by helicopter and to coastal communities by boat.  Overall, the World Food Programme plans to provide a range of food assistance to some 25,000 people for three months.  WFP is also providing critical logistics, air service and telecommunications support to Dominica and the humanitarian relief response.  The UN has been airlifting critical emergency supplies, including mobile storage units and pallets, tarps, boats, and electric generators from Panama."

UN Radio/GBCONLINE
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