Support to hurricane victims in the Caribbean

Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson has decided to allocate NOK 2 million (approximately USD 295 000) in emergency relief to the victims of Hurricanes Charley and Ivan. The assistance, which is intended primarily for hurricane victims on Cuba, consists mostly of relief supplies. The funds will be channelled through the Norwegian Red Cross.

Large parts of the western and southern coast of Cuba were hit by Hurricane Charley on 13 August, destroying schools and health centres. Thousands of families were affected, as well as some of the infrastructure. The west coast sustained further damage when it was hit by Hurricane Ivan on 14 September.

Norway has also allocated USD 50 000, released through OCHA from the Norwegian Trust Fund for Disaster Relief, in emergency relief to Jamaica in connection with Hurricane Ivan.

The situation is being followed closely and further support to hurricane victims in the Caribbean will be considered. This also applies to Haiti, which has been hit by Hurricane Jeanne.

Press contact: Espen Gullikstad, mobile phone: 917 08 122.