ARC Steps up Efforts to Help Volcano Victims, Appeals to the Public for Help

American Refugee Committee
Tuesday, 22 January 2002

The American Refugee Committee has stepped up its efforts to help victims of the devastating volcano eruption in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and appealed to the public for help.

"If we don't get emergency supplies to people immediately, we are going to see a lot of disease and death," said ARC Rwanda Country Director Guy Branch, who is coordinating ARC's volcano relief efforts.

ARC field staff described a chaotic scene and a desperate need for items such as plastic sheeting, food kits and medical supplies.

"People are crowded on pavements, sleeping on the beach and drinking water from the heavily polluted lake without food or sanitation, causing UN officials to fear a possible cholera outbreak," ARC Rwanda Camp Manager Saidi Kagaba said.

Hundreds of thousands of people fled into Rwanda after lava began spewing from Mount Nyiragongo volcano near the eastern town of Goma last Thursday morning. Most have now returned to Goma, even though it has been largely destroyed, preferring to take their chances at home than to live in camps across the border.

The United Nations has assigned ARC responsibility to provide water and sanitation and distribute emergency supplies to up to 100,000 people in the eastern section of Goma. ARC will distribute food provided by the World Food Program along with cooking sets and blankets provided by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef).

But the field staff urgently need other materials so they can provide shelter and clean water. "Right now we're lacking about 13,000 pieces of plastic sheeting and 15,000 feet of tubing for water delivery," Branch said.

ARC will also offer water and sanitation services in Rwanda, where about 7,000 refugees remain in camps.

ARC is accepting donations for the Congo volcano victims on its website or by check sent to: 430 Oak Grove Street, Suite 204, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

For more information, or to contact American Refugee Committee, see their website at: www.archq.org