Red Cross launches appeal for storm victims

The Irish Red Cross has launched a public appeal for funds to help victims of the storms that have swept across Ireland in recent weeks.

Thousands of lives have been thrown into chaos by storms and floods that have swept across Ireland, some for the second time in a month.

“Since Storm Desmond struck near the start of the month, Irish Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground helping out people in their communities.

“We’ve carried out evacuations, provided flood barriers, water pumps, fuel, food, drinking water, small cash payments and other forms of humanitarian relief such as making deliveries and helping clean up storm damage.

“Our ambulances and 4x4s have been called into auxiliary service supporting the HSE, local authorities and Gardaí, and remain on stand-by in many parts of the country,“ Irish Red Cross Secretary General Liam O’Dwyer said.

As the severe weather continues and more communities are affected, the Irish Red Cross has made a public appeal for financial support to help this work continue.

Donations can be made at www.redcross.ie or on 1850 50 70 70 or 01 64 24 600.

Storm-relief operations have included:

Evacuation of a nursing home in Co MayoTransport of patients in the South and South East to hospitalProvision of water pumps and fuel in AthloneDelivery of drinking water, food and supplies – particularly in remote areas