With Hurricane Matthew sweeping through the United States, Haiti, and some parts of the Caribbean, the world must once again unite in extending a helping hand to those affected by the devastating storm, which tested the emergency response plan execution of these countries.
As if the storm surges, flooding, power outages, torrential rains, and strong winds during the onset of the typhoon are not enough, the people in these areas also should contend with its effect after it left.
For America, the storm left about 46 people dead. For Haiti, heartbreaking statistics of around 880 people died.
While government assessed utility infrastructure management possibilities and rehabilitation procedures, different organizations have already started to mobilize relieve operations and fast track giving of donations to the victims who need them the most.
If you want to lend a hand, here are some organizations you can give donations or volunteer to:
• International Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross or ICRC prides itself as an impartial, neutral, and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance.
The seasoned humanitarian organization which was created in 1863, is usually one of the frontlines when it comes to responding to areas after a calamity.
When Hurricane Matthew plowed from the US to Haiti to the Caribbean, Red Cross societies in those respective countries were already preparing for aftermaths and impacts.
• World Vision
World Vision International is an Evangelical Christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization which was started in the 1950s. The group also have pre-positioned emergency supplies like tarpaulins, hygiene kits, blankets, and water containers to provide relief to victims of the hurricane after its impact.
• The Salvation Army
This religious organization has also been helping various victims of natural disasters all over the globe. Even before recent onslaught of Hurricane Matthew, the Salvation Army in Florinda mobilized 31 feeding units, two field kitchens, a command and communication unit, and five shower trailers on standby.
• UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund or UNICEF delivers humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. Almost 90 percent of the aid contributed to the organization is given to children. UNICEF also brave calamity areas to cater to young ones in need.
Whether through a simple drop of a coin or reaching out a lending hand, you can start helping others in need by donating to these organizations or even directly offering yourself as an organization volunteer in those areas.
While extending help to those affected severely after calamities are good, it is way better to prepare and be resilient about any calamitous event.
Infrastructure asset management includes risk management and emergency response planning that heighten resilience, relief, and rehabilitation of public utilities.
When emergency responses are planned, efforts of government, humanitarian organizations, concerned public to rebuild better are guided and coordinated well.