(21 July)
Thirteen British Red Cross delegates have been helping Britons evacuated to Cyprus from Lebanon. Three delegates have been in Cyprus since Monday and were joined by a further ten delegates yesterday.
Team leader Stephen Spurling said: "The Red Cross has a team of four at the port near Limosol and a further nine delegates at the temporary reception centre established at the military base.
"Last night two ships docked at the harbour, the first had around 80 people onboard and the second 250, and a further 1300 arrived this morning. We are expecting another ship in the earlier hours tomorrow."
"People have made a long journey in very hot conditions. It's been a difficult journey, some have young children who've been seasick, others have left medication at home and have needed to see the medical staff here.
The delegates are working at the request of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), which is responsible for providing consular assistance to Britons overseas. They have been assisting Britons with travel arrangements, accommodation and ensuring that any health care needs are dealt with. The team have also provided comfort to anyone traumatised by their experience.
Spurling said: "People have left their homes with very few belongings, they're upset at what they've had to leave behind and anxious about where they are going next. Others are distressed by the things they've witnessed, many have seen the bombings close at hand."
"It is hard work and around the clock, but you can see it is worthwhile as people are very thankful for the help they've received."
The British Red Cross has trained volunteers on standby to offer practical help and emotional support to people affected by tragedies overseas. In this role it recently sent support to assist Britons affected by the pleasure boat capsize in Bahrain and the Dahab bombings in Egypt.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies.
We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT WILL SLATER 020 7877 7042
