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WFP food is delivered to victims of Tropical Storm Noel, which hit the Dominican Republic last month. Some of the people caught in the latest storm were only just beginning to rebuild their lives after Noel.

The World Food Programme today appealed for urgent support to the Dominican Republic where for the second time in just over a month, a tropical storm has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes in search of shelter and food.

At least 22 people are reported dead and some 38,000 have abandoned their homes after Sub-tropical Storm Olga swept across the country yesterday.

An estimated 7,600 homes are reported damaged and 137 communities in the north-central and south-eastern regions have been isolated as roads are damaged by floods and bridges have collapsed.

Washed away

“Some of the affected people were just beginning to rebuild their lives after Tropical Storm Noel last month and now they find their efforts seriously set back or literally washed away,” said WFP Regional Director Pedro Medrano from WFP’s regional office in Panama. “They need our help as do all the other communities now affected by this destructive wave of storms.”

Tropical Storm Noel left 73 people dead and more than 55,000 people in urgent need of assistance before moving on to Haiti, where it also caused widespread destruction, suffering and death.

Increase

WFP is already seeking about US$4 million for the Dominican Republic over the next six months. Medrano said that once a full assessment of the latest damages is complete, WFP may have to increase the amount of aid it is requesting in order to assist the newest victims as well.

“We appeal to the international community to help those hit by this latest climate crisis,” Medrano said. “Many of the hardest hit by Olga and Noel are among the poorest in the country and are unable to meet their immediate basic needs as rebuilding their future livelihoods.