Project HOPE is Monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia
Project HOPE is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia as it gains strength and threatens to hit Florida’s Gulf Region as a category 2 to 3 hurricane by Wednesday.
Idalia is forecast to bring storm surges up to 11 feet along Florida’s west coast, which could bring destructive flooding. The storm is also projected to bring 115 mph winds and gusts of up to 140 mph, which could cause significant power outages and structural damage across the region. Project HOPE’s teams are coordinating with partners and local officials and stand ready to respond, if needed.
Idalia is projected to impact many of the same communities that are still recovering from Hurricane Ian, which hit southwestern Florida as a category 4 last September:
“Tropical Storm Idalia is threatening to impact communities that are historically marginalized by a lack of health care access – including migrants, people over 65, people with disabilities, and those who are experiencing poverty,” said Chessa Latifi, Project HOPE’s Deputy Director of Emergency Preparedness & Response. “Project HOPE saw firsthand the impacts of Hurricane Ian last September, which caused mass displacement and left many without access to health care. We are closely monitoring Idalia and are prepared to respond, as needed.”
In response to Hurricane Ian, Project HOPE provided surge staffing, psychological first aid, medical support, much-needed supplies within shelters and health clinics to ensure that the most historically marginalized communities had access to the help and care they needed.
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About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a leading global health and humanitarian organization operating in more than 25 countries around the world. We work side-by-side with local health systems to save lives and improve health. Our mission is at the epicenter of today’s greatest health challenges, including infectious and chronic diseases, disasters and health crises, maternal, neonatal and child health and the policies that impact how health care is delivered. For more information on Project HOPE and its work around the world, visit www.ProjectHOPE.org and follow us on Twitter @ProjectHOPEorg.