Norway provides NOK 11 million to assist hurricane victims in Haiti and Cuba

Hurricanes Gustav and Ike and tropical storm Hanna have caused great human suffering and material damage in Haiti and Cuba.
 
“The hurricanes have created an acute humanitarian situation in Haiti and Cuba. The many who have been severely affected need our, and other countries’, help. Norway is therefore contributing NOK 8 million to relief efforts in Haiti and NOK 3 million to relief efforts in Cuba,” said State Secretary Håkon A. Gulbrandsen.

According to the UN, more than 500 people are believed to have lost their lives because of the hurricane. More than 300 000 are affected by flooding, and 100 000 have had to evacuate their homes. The hurricane has caused great human suffering and massive material damage. Large areas of Haiti are still under water, making it difficult to get emergency aid through to the victims.

In Cuba, around one million people were evacuated from the hardest hit areas, which prevented major loss of lives. Many homes have been severely damaged, and infrastructure and agricultural areas have been destroyed.

The aid from Norway will be channelled through UN agencies, the Red Cross and other NGOs.
 
Press contact: Information Adviser Ragnhild H. Simenstad, mobile phone: 917 17 459.