Salvationists respond to Romanian floods
THE assistance of The Salvation Army has been welcomed by local authorities in north-eastern Romania, where severe flooding has affected up to 12,000 people. Members of The Salvation Army’s new corps (church) plant in the city of Iaşi are coordinating a response with people from other churches. A Salvation Army team from the capital, Bucharest, took basic supplies of bottled water, food and other relief items for distribution.
Around 2,000 people had to be evacuated from Tămăşeni, about 30 miles east of Iaşi, after a dam gave way and floodwaters in some places exceeded two metres. Funds are being sought from local businesses and other generous individuals so the assistance can continue.
Iaşi was visited by President Basescu of Romania, who promised central government assistance to help the people of Iaşi and other affected towns with any rebuilding that is necessary.
Lieut-Colonel Alistair Herring, Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army's Eastern Europe Territory, says: 'We are monitoring the situation twice daily. I expect our teams will remain in the area for a week at least, doing all they can to help.'