Hurricane Dennis emergency assistance

According to the information gathered by the CIC and the CAT team, the most affected area was Granma province where the damages caused by hurricane Dennis were as follows: 42,000 homes affected of which 15,000 were totally destroyed (67% in Pilón and Niquero), 12,000 homes are without roofs and 76 without water tanks (24 in Niquero). In the health sector, 17 pharmacies, 130 medical clinics and 5 hospitals were affected by the hurricane. In the commercial and productive area damages included: 283 tourist rental houses, 7,155 hectares of food sources (60,000 MT²), 670 hectares of coffee, 1,809 hectares of fruit tress and 10,900 honey production hives. Other damages registered: 24 Mini hydroelectric systems, 389 schools (29 totally destroyed), 251 basic services units. 700 families still remain in state shelters and 56,000 persons at relatives or friends homes. So far the government has approved the rebuilding of 4,000 homes and provided material to repair 7,000 roofs. Architects and engineers are currently carrying out feasibility studies, as in some of the areas affected the families will have to be relocated.

This revision modifies the proposal of the Cuban Council of Churches, (CIC) included in the original appeal. They are proposing to assist the affected population in the crisis phase providing food and non food relief items to the most vulnerable population affected by the hurricane. In the post crisis phase they intend to provide psychosocial support to the affected population and support the reconstruction of houses for the most vulnerable families (women, the elderly and handicapped).

Project Completion Date: 31 July 2006