The Canadian Red Cross is asking Canadians to help with relief efforts in the Caribbean.
Hurricane Irma, a category 5 blowing with wind speeds up to 300 km/h, is expected to impact 31 million people.
Spokesperson Dan Bedell says the effect of this storm is extraordinary.
“Typically, hurricanes will affect one or maybe two countries in a severe way. This one is just so big and so powerful that there’s a whole string of countries being impacted over multiple days and by the weekend it will be into Florida.”
Bedell says the organization needs donations to get the relief supplies where they are needed.
“We don’t yet know the full extent of the damage from this hurricane and where the greatest needs are going to be. We just know that there are going to be significant needs. and we want to be there to help. And we want Canadians to help us do that.”
Bedell says the Red Cross is ready with a stockpile of supplies in Panama that is kept in close proximity for just this kind of emergency
He says a mobile hospital based in Ottawa and staffed with doctors from across Canada is also ready to fly out within 24 hours.
To make a donation, call the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111 or visit their web page: redcross.ca