$2M AppealforUSHurricaneDisasterfromIslamicAid

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$2 million Appeal for US Hurricane Disaster from Islamic Aid


$2 million Appeal for US Hurricane Disaster
1 September 2005
http://tinyurl.com/adx7s

Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the USA just outside the city of New Orleans on Monday 29 August and swept devastation through the area with winds of up to 145 mph (233 km/h).

The hurricane sent a devastating wall of water into Mississippi. Hundreds of people are feared dead, and the city of New Orleans in Louisiana remains badly flooded. Up to 80% of the city is submerged by waters as deep as 6m (20ft).

One Million Displaced

Frantic survivors scrambled onto their rooftops after their homes were inundated. It is feared that water levels may still rise.

The Katrina Hurricane disaster has displaced more than one million people, and will require the largest relief effort in U.S. history. The disaster has affected three states in total.

Tens of thousands have been left homeless in Mississippi, and it may be many weeks or even months before they can return to their homes. Temporary shelters are struggling to cope with the continuing influx of displaced people.

Islamic Relief Response

In response to the worst storm in thirty years in the southern United States, Islamic Relief has launched an appeal to help the flood victims. IR has pledged $2 million to the relief effort.

Islamic Relief USA office is coordinating with organisations working on the ground to effectively help the disaster victims as swiftly as possible.

Islamic Relief will be focusing its efforts on helping displaced people in Baton Rouge in Louisiana (where many people from New Orleans have fled), Mobile in Alabama, and Houston, Texas.

Team Work

Islamic Relief is working with many different organizations and faith-based groups, including the Muslim American Society (MAS) to collect emergency relief supplies. Several businesses have also offered discounted supplies for the relief effort.

In Houston, Islamic Relief staff and volunteers are working in coordination with the Muslim community to help over 25,000 victims.

In Baton Rouge and Mobile, Islamic Relief staff are working on the ground to set up relief operations, and organise distributions of water, food, and hygiene kits. Islamic Relief also plans to provide emergency shelter for displaced people and assist in the massive clean-up efforts in hurricane-affected areas of the cities.

"We really appreciate the cooperation we have received in the three cities in which we are planning our relief activities," said Arif Shaikh, spokesperson for Islamic Relief USA. "In these times it is particularly important that people of all faiths and backgrounds come together to aid the victims of this devastating tragedy."

Donate online to the Emergency Relief fund to help victims of this natural disaster click on http://tinyurl.com/adx7s

Link: ISLAMIC AID
Responses:

o Re: $2 million Appeal for US Hurricane Disaster from Islamic Aid - Akbal13 September 6, 2005, 3:25 pm