109/2004
Agencies Rush Aid To Survivors Of Russian School Attack

United Nations agencies have been rushing food and medical supplies to the hundreds of children and adults caught up in the hostage-taking tragedy in Beslan, southern Russia, which left 338 people dead and 747 injured.

In response to requests from Russian doctors, the World Food Programme (WFP) has begun food distribution to three hospitals in Beslan and the North Ossetian regional capital of Vladikavkaz, where many victims were taken. "What happened in Beslan is a terrible tragedy. WFP is determined to do all it can to alleviate the suffering of the victims," WFP Country Director Chris Czerwinski said.

For its part the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has sent 12 tons of medical and other supplies, including bandages, syringes, bed linens, mattresses, hospital beds and catheters to treat the hundreds of children injured in the school siege.