Food supplies dwindling in Grenada

WORD from Grenada is that food supplies are dwindling, and more shipments of food are needed. This came to light on Friday at a press conference hosted by all the organisations involved in disaster activities. The update was based on a  Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) field assessment.

According to the update, the relief effort continues to incrementally improve, but many challenges still remain — chief among them being the pace of relief distribution, the continued lack of effective communication and environmental health issues. The official death toll remains at 28 and another 353 have been treated for injuries at the Grenada General Hospital. There is urgent need for medium-sized trucks, capable of navigating the winding mountainous roads. The CEDERA update said there is concern of fire hazards, since people are using candles and kerosene lamps. There is a need for battery-operated lanterns.

It is understood that a practice has started in rural villages where groups of people help to reconstruct homes, in exchange for food. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has identified the need for 5,000 dry pit latrines. PAHO also said it will cost US $470,000 to meet the cost of emergency needs in Grenada. The nutmeg industry suffered severe damage, but according to CEDRA,  it was not destroyed. On Friday the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society (TTRCS) gave a brief listing of items sent to Grenada. They include 5,000 tons of clothing, disposable diapers, shoes, rice, pillows, juices and milk.

Members stores of the Supermarket Association will now be used as collection points for relief supplies for victims of flood-stricken Central Trinidad as well as the Grenada and Jamaica relief drive. SATT’s public relations officer, Christian Tory said opening these new drop-off points will make it much easier for members of the public to assist in the relief effort. He said the drop-off points will be for foodstuffs and water only. Some members of the Trinidad Rotary Clubs were also expected to leave yesterday for Grenada.