8 August 2008
 
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has launched a preliminary appeal for $7.4 million (£3.9 million) to meet the emergency needs of around 50,000 people affected by the armed conflict involving Georgian, South Ossetian and Russian troops.

The appeal will help provide surgical and other medical care for the wounded as well as emergency aid for people displaced in North Ossetia and Georgia, and civilians remaining in South Ossetia.

The ICRC is also continuing to seek access to all people captured or arrested in connection with the conflict. Earlier today it visited two Russian pilots who were wounded and are being held by the Georgian authorities.

Surgical support
 
A Red Cross surgical team is due to arrive in Georgia on 12 August to reinforce local surgical staff, in particular those working at Gori's civilian hospital. A field hospital is also being sent to help treat people who have been wounded in Georgia.
 
"Over the past few days the Red Cross has been able to visit hospitals in Alaguir, Ardon and Vladikavkaz, in the Russian Federation, and in Gori, Poti and Senaki in Georgia," said Dominik Stillhart, the organisation's deputy director of operations. "It's still too early to say how many people have been killed or injured by the fighting, but our visits to these hospitals confirm that local medical facilities are dealing with a large number of wounded and dead."

Emergency aid
 
Another top priority is to deliver relief to people who have been displaced or isolated by the conflict. As soon as possible, the Red Cross hopes to provide essential items such as blankets, hygiene materials and cooking pots, as well as to restore access to drinking water for people living in Tskhinvali. The organisation also intends to provide emergency assistance to people who have fled South Ossetia.
 
In the northern Caucasus, the Red Cross is co-ordinating with the authorities and other humanitarian organisations to provide emergency aid for families who have fled the fighting. This includes hygiene materials and special items for children.
 
If you are concerned about relatives in the affected area please contact one of the following embassies:

British nationals contact the British embassy on 020 7008 1500

Georgian nationals contact the Georgian embassy on 020 7348 1942

Russian nationals contact the embassy of the Russian Federation on 020 7229 6412 or 020 7229 7281

If you are unable to contact any of these then you can contact the British Red Cross on 0845 053 2004