OXFAM to Assist Disaster Relief Efforts in Clarendon

OXFAM international, the non governmental group, which works to end poverty worldwide, will be assisting the disaster relief effort in Clarendon, with immediate focus on the provision of water and sanitation.
The team is in the island at the request of the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team.
Rohan Blake, Director of Planning for the Clarendon Parish Council, told JIS News, that water and sanitation specialists from OFXAM met with the Clarendon Parish Disaster Committee on September 20 and the team carried out evaluations throughout the day.
According to Mr. Blake, the group, which is led by Dawit Beyenne, Humanitarian Coordinator of OXFAM, has committed thirty-five 1,000-gallon tanks and will source purified water to fill them. The tanks will be refilled as needed.
The tanks are expected to arrive in the island on September 23 and will be installed in the most critically affected communities such as Rocky Point, Portland Cottage, Lionel Town and Mitchell Town.
Meanwhile, Mr. Blake informed, representatives from UNDAC met with the Parish Disaster Committee on Saturday, September 18 where other critical issues such as health, electricity and food were reviewed.
The Parish Disaster Committee is also expected to submit a list of specific needs to UNDAC.