(Washington, D.C., 5/11/2011) Islamic Relief USA’s disaster response team continues to provide aid and support to tornado-affected areas of Alabama. Dozens of tornadoes leveled entire neighborhoods, killing hundreds of residents and leaving thousands homeless across seven states. Among the areas hardest hit are central and northern parts of Alabama, for which President Obama declared a state of emergency.
Islamic Relief USA’s 32-member team partnered with the Salvation Army to assist in collecting clothing, food, cleaning supplies, water, hygiene kits, and personal necessities. Team members distributed products to families in need and managed a Red Cross health clinic providing first aid and general health assessment. Additionally, Islamic Relief USA partnered with the American Red Cross (ARC) to train IRUSA team members in disaster assessment of more than 4,000 affected houses, preliminary data assessments, client case work and supporting the ARC staff and the Alabama State headquarters. IRUSA’s team accompanied ARC staff during food distribution in emergency response vehicles, and prepared situational reports for the ARC managerial team.
Col. W. Derrick Lea, head of IRUSA’s operation in Alabama said, “Islamic Relief USA is helping people who live in the area affected by the tornadoes. We are providing energetic, reliable assistance that is meeting the needs of the population that lives and works in this region.”
At least 2,500 meals have been distributed by IRUSA’s staff in the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa areas of Alabama. In addition, IRUSA connected the Muslim community of Birmingham with a local emergency aid station to distribute toys to children affected by the disaster.
Islamic Relief USA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects allowing communities to better help themselves.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Asma Yousef
Public Relations Representative
(703) 582-5880
ayousef@irusa.org