PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea
Responds to Cyclone Guba
November 29, 2007 –The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea is responding to Cyclone Guba which caused devastating flooding in the country’s eastern provinces. The death toll is at 163, but the number is expected to rise as health experts predict an increase in water-born diseases including cholera, dysentery and malaria.The storm has affected nearly 150,000 people with more than 1,000 residents displaced or missing. Official have declared a state of emergency, and damages are estimated at $70 million.
Captain Kila Gaba is leading a team of health workers and volunteers in Popondetta. They are doing all they can to assist people in need with the limited resources available to them. A Salvation Army emergency disaster services team also has been flown from Port Moresby, the capital city, to Popondetta to assist in the effort.
The most immediate needs are for food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and medical supplies. Many of the destroyed villages are in low-lying areas where water levels were as high as the roof tops.
“The Salvation Army has secured supplies to take to the disaster area which include food, shelters, fresh water, medicine, mosquito nets and clothing,” said Lt. Colonel James Condon, who is second in command of The Salvation Army’s work in Papua New Guinea. “We are addressing the communities’ immediate needs as the first step along the way to recovery.”
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
