Contact: Colleen Roche/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
Carmen L. Ambert (Deputy Mayor Segarra) 212-788-6705
As a result of the torrential rains, high winds and mudslides caused Hurricane Mitch, the estimated death toll is 7,000 in Honduras, 3,800 in Nicaragua (with 1,956 missing) 239 dead in El Salvador, 194 dead in Guatemala, seven in Costa Rica, and six in Mexico. The loss of life makes Hurricane Mitch the deadliest Atlantic storm of the 20th Century.
The Mayor was joined in his appeal by Deputy Mayor Ninfa Segarra, Humanitarian Advocate Bianca Jagger, Consul General, Republic of Guatemala Sra. Fabiola Fuentes Orellana, Consul General, Republic of Nicaragua Sra. Rogelia Urcuyo de Zarruk, Consul General, Republic of El Salvador Sra. Patricia Maza Pittsford, Consul General, Republic of Honduras Sr. Octavio Pineda Espinoza, and Consul General, Republic of Costa Rica Sra. Marlene Vega. In addition, Lorraine Cortes Vasquez, President of the Hispanic Federation, and Dr. Mary Sedutto of the Archdiocese of New York, were present to lend their support to the relief effort.
"Our City has always responded to natural disasters like the one that has caused so much suffering for the people of Central America," the Mayor said. "I am confident that New Yorkers will join together with their fellow residents from Central America in New York and support relief efforts just as they did when the Caribbean Islands were devastated by Hurricane Georges last month."
"Beginning today, all New York City Fire Stations throughout the five boroughs will serve as drop-off points for items that are urgently needed by the people of Central America," the Mayor continued. "I urge all New Yorkers to bring water, canned foods, medicines and non-perishable supplies to their nearest fire station. I want to thank Deputy Mayor Segarra and the Consul Generals assembled here today for their help in coordinating this much-needed relief effort after this devastating natural disaster."
The following articles can be dropped off beginning today: drinking water, canned goods, baby formulas, over the counter medicines such as anti-diarrhetics, cough medicine for children and adults, iodine, antibiotic cream, sterile gauze and bandages.
The Mayor also noted the need in many of the affected areas for helicopters to bring the food, safe water and medicine to the stricken areas, and portable bridges to replace bridges that have been washed away by flooding and mudslides. It is estimated that 60 percent of the roads, bridges and buildings in Honduras need to be rebuilt.
Deputy Mayor Segarra, who will coordinate the hurricane relief efforts in conjunction with the New York City Office of Emergency Management, said, "We will open our doors and hearts to embrace our brothers and sisters in Central America, and we will reach-out for the help that is urgently needed."
The Hispanic Federation has activated a bank account under the name "Ayuda a los Pueblos de Centro America" at Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. The account number is 790-070-812. New Yorkers are urged to make their donations in person at any of the bank's 28 branches across the City, or mail their donations to the Hispanic Federation at 80 William Street, New York, NY 10038.
For information about where and what items to drop off at the Fire Stations throughout the City, New Yorkers can call Deputy Mayor Segarra's office at (212) 788-6705. For financial contributions call the American Red Cross at 1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 for Spanish-speaking operators.
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