Mitch is the deadliest Atlantic hurricane in more than 100 years. We have worked with the American Red Cross over the past few years during other disasters. This is clearly the worst situation we have faced. In Honduras and Nicaragua, which have been devastated by the pounding rains of Hurricane Mitch, Red Cross officials are receiving 20 tons of calcium hypochlorite, a chlorine-based disinfectant used to destroy harmful bacteria in water supplies. Health officials in these countries are facing an outbreak of disease in the wake of massive floodwaters poisoned by bodies and rotting products.
Reports indicate that residents in many regions are drinking water from contaminated sources.
Untreated water exposes vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children, to waterborne illnesses, such as hepatitis, typhoid, and cholera. The Water relief Network also is providing several thousand pounds of vinyl plastic sheeting and one diesel generator. The sheeting will provide temporary shelter to those most severely affected by Mitch's wrath. The generator will supply 12,000 watts of power. Most of the nations' power and sewer lines have been knocked out.