Vol. 567 No. 7
135 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the recent earthquake in Algeria; the assistance that the Government will allocate to relieve suffering in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14985/03]
An earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter Scale struck northern Algeria at approximately 8 p.m. on 21 May. This is the most severe earthquake to hit North Africa for over 20 years. The first earthquake was followed by three others, all measuring over five on the Richter Scale and all in heavily populated areas. The death toll has passed the 2,000 mark and many hundreds are still missing. Many thousands are injured. This is a devastating blow to the people of Algeria and they have our heartfelt sympathy.
The Algerian Red Crescent was quickly mobilised in the aftermath of the disaster. ARC staff and volunteers were rapidly rescuing victims, administering first aid and transporting the injured to hospital. ARC teams are helping in the hospitals and distributing basic needs from disaster preparedness stocks. The ARC is part of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the federation has mobilised international emergency response units with specialised knowledge in disaster management.
The IFRC has issued an emergency appeal for funding to assist up to 20,000 victims of the Algerian earthquake with food and non-food items over three months. Non-food items covered include tents, blankets, generators, plastic sheeting, medical supplies and psychological support. Under this appeal, help will also be given to the local ARC in disaster response and mitigation, through first aid training, monitoring, reporting and disaster management.
The IFRC is a valued partner of Ireland Aid, the Government's official programme of development co-operation. The IFRC's rapid response to the disaster in Algeria emphasises, once again, the importance played by local organisations in responding immediately to local emergencies. Experience has taught us that many of the lives saved in the immediate aftermath of a disaster are saved by the local communities themselves and their organisations and agencies. International assistance is also vital, but there is an increasing emphasis now being placed on building local capacity for disaster preparedness.
We have embarked on a strategic partnership with the IFRC designed, inter alia, to assist in building the capacity of local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in Africa to build their disaster response capability. An initial amount of €750,000 has been made available to the IFRC for this purpose. We will shortly be reviewing progress to date and I am hopeful that we will develop further our partnership with the IFRC.
