BROOKLYN, New York. – The Batey Relief Alliance (BRA Dominicana) is preparing a post hurricane relief operation inside the bateyes of the Dominican Republic’s province of Barahona delivering to the impoverished population emergency medical aid and medicines. “Our health team will assess the current health conditions among the most vulnerable, including children, pregnant women and the elderly and offer them support as needed,” said Ulrick Gaillard, CEO of the BRA.

To date, one 16-year old boy has been reportedly swept into the sea and killed after clean up and damage assessment took place last week in the southwest of the country, the area hardest hit by the Hurricane. Dominican President, Leonel Fernandez implemented his Social Welfare Plan and over 1,200 people have been reportedly assisted with food and shelter in the affected areas. Over 1,000 people have also been evacuated from low-lying areas and moved to higher ground. The province of Barahona, in the south, is the worst affected area where homes were destroyed by wind, flooding and landslides.

Barahona is also home to many bateyes (sugar cane plantations rural communities) that were severely damaged by Hurricane Georges in 1998. And yet, these impoverished communities practically received very little attention when massive aid relief was delivered to the Dominican Republic. Most bateyes are overcrowded and offer a sub-basic living standard to their residents with limited access to employment, sanitations or medical care. The majority of the population has no legal status.

The Indiana-based Disciples of Christ’s Week of Compassion has offered emergency support to the BRA to start the medical intervention. But more funds are needed to purchase food, water and medicines. Tax-deductible checks can be made out to Batey Relief Alliance and sent to: P.O. Box 300565, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230. Donations can also be made online by clicking DONATE NOW.

For a donation or more information about the BRA’s relief operation in the province of Barahona, please contact Ulrick Gaillard at bra@bateyrelief.org or (917) 627-5026.