Alexandria, VA – Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) has sent a Disaster Response Team to help in the rescue and recovery efforts associated with the wildfires in the Northern California region. These wildfires are among the worst fires in the history of California, with more than 20 people dead, hundreds missing, and thousands of acres of destroyed, including many tourism areas.
“The wildfires in California have had a devastating impact for many of its residents. Unfortunately, it has led to the death of some people,” said Anwar Khan, president of Islamic Relief USA. “For many more, it has disrupted their everyday of life, making some of the simplest things like making a phone call very difficult. These fires have destroyed a tremendous number of properties. The Islamic Relief Disaster Response Team has extensive experience dealing with natural and man-made disasters. We are here to help in any way possible.”
The fires have taken place in Butte, Lake, Napa, Nevada, Mendocino, Sonoma and Yuba counties. More than 122,000 acres have been burned, as of the most recent tally. The area burned so far in Napa and Sonoma is three times larger than Washington, D.C.
The smoke from the fires has led to the one of the worst air pollution records in Northern California. Air quality is considered “very unhealthy” when the index reaches 201. During one stretch on Tuesday, the air score in parts of Napa hit 486, according to a report from CNN. Other statistics from recent reports include the following.
- More than 20,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
- Two hospitals were evacuated.
- More than 80,000 are without power.
- Approximately 2,000 homes and businesses were destroyed.
- More than 100 people are being treated at hospitals for burns, smoke inhalation and shortness of breath.
IRUSA has declared an emergency. IRUSA is working with partners and preparing to deliver humanitarian aid to disaster-stricken areas. They have asked for our help to reach more people.
How can you help? Please donate now to speed the delivery of humanitarian aid to people who need it. Please visit the organization’s website at www.irusa.org to make a financial contribution.
MEDIA CONTACT
Minhaj Hassan
syedhassan@irusa.org or (703) 370-7246
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Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.