World Vision Offers Help In Russian Hostage Drama

Relief needs are expected to be "enormous" in the wake of the hostage drama at a Russian school in Beslan, which ended Saturday with hundreds wounded. As many as 200 people are feared dead. World Vision, which has an office 20 kilometres from the site of the tragedy, has allocated US$25,000 as an initial response.

"We do not know yet what the needs are, but offering care to so many people at once is an enormous task for the local health services, so we are ready to assist them," said David Womble, programme manager for World Vision in the Russian Federation. Womble will visit Beslan this weekend to coordinate relief aid with local officials and other aid organisations.

Local officials reported more than 700 people hospitalised, including 259 children. World Vision has medical supplies in its warehouse in Nazran, which will be sent immediately if needed.

ENDS

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