Reference :
V-P-SO-E-00890
Date :
16/10/2017
Caption :
Mogadishu. Some of Somali Red Crescent Society’s vehicles were destroyed in an explosion.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
ICRC website, news release “Somalia: Urgent medical supplies reach hospitals for bomb blast victims”, 16 October 2017
"Mogadishu/Nairobi (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) have been responding to urgent needs following Saturday's explosion in Mogadishu. Two days on, the death toll continues to rise as bodies under the rubble are discovered.
In the past 48 hours, official sources confirm the deaths of 276 people, while over 284 survivors have been admitted to Keysaney, Medina, Daru Alshifa, Mogadishu City, Somali Sudanese and Kalkaal hospitals. The wounded are receiving treatment for the serious injuries they have sustained.
As the death toll rises with bodies pulled slowly from beneath the rubble, some of the bodies recovered are charred beyond recognition.
"Our energy is geared towards supporting relief operations on the ground. First aiders, medical staff and volunteers continue to ramp up their efforts, supporting operations for those who have survived and providing body bags to ensure the dead are buried in dignity," said Daniel Gerard O'Malley, ICRC's Deputy Head of Delegation currently in Mogadishu.
Medical kits have been made available to the hospitals in need of supplies and the presence of a mobile surgical team deployed in Mogadishu comes in support of hospital staff stretched to the limit in managing the influx.
Despite the challenges, the SRCS' first aid teams were able to help evacuate dozens of wounded in the early hours following the blast. "Our work would not be possible without the 38 active volunteers of the SRCS that have shown incredible courage in carrying out their duties with limited means," said Mr. Yusef Hasan Mohamed, SRCS' President. "As we mourn the loss of life, our efforts will focus on helping the living so that in time, people can gradually regain a sense of normalcy"."
ICRC website, news release “Somalia: SRCS volunteers among the casualties of attack in Mogadishu”, 15 October 2017
"Mogadishu/Nairobi – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) mourn the loss of life of four SRCS volunteers killed amongst many others killed and wounded following the huge explosion that detonated in a very busy street of Mogadishu yesterday. This figure may rise as there are a number of volunteers still missing.
As we continue to assess the situation on the ground, the toll remains unclear in the chaos following the blast. SRCS’ First Action Teams immediately responded providing first aid and ensuring the transfer of the wounded to hospitals nearby. ICRC has a surgical team in Mogadishu to support the overstretched medical services. Likewise, both SRCS and ICRC are supporting Medina, Keysaney and other hospitals with urgent medical supplies to cater for the hundreds of wounded.
This grave incident is a stark reminder of the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict in Somalia. "Thousands of civilians lose their life in Somalia every year as a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict. SRCS and the ICRC remind all parties that civilians are protected by international and customary laws and must be respected at all times", said Jordi Raich, ICRC's Head of Delegation."
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
2448x3264
Orientation :
portrait
Colour/B&W :
colour
