Disaster Response Update: U.S. Wildfires, Venezuela Earthquakes, and More

As emergency response continues for Colombia and communities impacted by a deadly 7.4-magnitude earthquake this week, Direct Relief is involved in multiple emergency responses across the globe and monitoring others for potential needs.

Tracking Pacific & Atlantic Storms

Forecasters are tracking a potential tropical storm, currently about 1,000 miles southeast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, that is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to the island chain this week.

The weather system, slated to be named Tropical Storm Lala, has a 90 percent chance of strengthening into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours. Heavy rainfall is likely to reach the Hawaiian Islands by Friday.

Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches are predicted across much of the island chain, with localized areas receiving up to 20 inches. "This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain," according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Direct Relief operates an ongoing hurricane preparedness program that pre-positions vital medical aid in storm-prone regions. The organization places pre-assembled emergency modules, containing medications for chronic disease management, first aid supplies, and emergency essentials, in communities across the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, the Caribbean, Central America, and the Pacific.

In Hawai'i, Direct Relief has hurricane preparedness packs pre-positioned on the ground at:

• Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (Oahu)
• Hawai'i Island Community Health Center (Big Island)

Meanwhile, in the Atlantic Ocean, several systems remain active, including Tropical Storm Cristobal, which currently poses no threat to land. Another disturbance located between Africa and the Caribbean, which would be named Tropical Storm Dolly upon intensification, could develop into at least a tropical depression over the coming days.

Direct Relief is actively monitoring these systems to assess potential health needs.

Wildfire Emergency Response: California, Washington, & Idaho

Multiple severe wildfires are burning across the Western United States, including the Timber Fire near Big Sur, California. The blaze has scorched more than 3,000 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations and forcing the closure of Highway 1 as fire crews work to contain the flames.

Direct Relief is in direct communication with local health organizations, including the Big Sur Health Center, to assess emergency health needs.

Medical shipments departed this week for active wildfires in Washington state, including blazes impacting the Spokane region. Direct Relief dispatched requested supplies, such as Liquid I.V. hydration packs and eye drops, for fire crews in the state.

Direct Relief also delivered medical support to the Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS Health), a health center continuing to provide essential services amid ongoing wildfires.

The shipment contained:

• Field medic packs to equip first responders.
• Personal care products for displaced residents in evacuation shelters.
• Personal protective equipment for community members returning to burn zones.

In Idaho, Direct Relief shipped field medic packs, personal care supplies, and solar lanterns and chargers from Unite to Light to support the emergency disaster response for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

Ongoing Support for Venezuela's Earthquakes

More than 24 tons of medical aid have been shipped in response to the June 24 earthquakes that devastated Venezuela. Essential medicines, field medic packs for first responders, medical tents, water purification supplies, personal protective equipment, and more have arrived in the country and continue to support health efforts.

More than 6,000 people were killed as a result of the quakes, and more than 16,000 were injured. Thousands remain displaced, and Direct Relief will continue responding to long-term health needs.

In addition to medical aid, Direct Relief has also granted $450,000 in financial support to local organizations supporting immediate health needs in the country.