The revised sum of 2.4 million Swiss francs (1.9 million dollars, 1.6 million euros) was up sharply from an initial demand for 912,000 Swiss francs launched on May 28 at the height of the crisis, which has left more than 1,400 people dead, according to an official toll.

"The operation aims to help 25,000 people by supplying them with food, kitchen equipment and stoves, plastic sheeting, jerry cans, tents, treated mosquito nets and first aid kits," the Red Cross said in a statement.

It also pledged to supply safe water to communities in need.

The federation put the death toll from the floods that swept through towns and villages in the two countries that make up the island of Hispaniola at an estimated 2,000 people.

"The death toll is certain to rise as more bodies are found in the floodwaters," the Red Cross warned, noting that many areas are still only accessible by helicopter.

Local federation officials have been joined by experts from the Red Cross's global netork to respond to the flooding after Haiti and the Dominican Republic became the eye of a fierce tropical storm that has lashed the Caribbean.

The aid workers took part in search and rescue operations and also provided psychological support to the victims, the Red Cross said.

Acording to an official tally, between the two countries, 1,406 people are known to have died and many have been buried in mass graves. Nearly 30,000 people have been forced from their homes.

TERRA.WIRE