07 November 2007

Local people line up at a Salvation Army canteen for food and other essentials

THE Salvation Army in Tabasco, Mexico, is still providing help to the victims of devastating floods which have left around half a million people homeless. Shelter, food, medicines, clothing and clean water are among the essential supplies being provided for victims of the floods by Salvation Army personnel who are doing all they can to meet people's physical and spiritual needs.

There are 120 people from The Salvation Army participating in the relief effort and at the time of writing they had already provided 45,000 meals. Salvation Army buildings including a children’s home are being used to shelter people forced from their homes because of the flooding and two emergency canteens have been sent to the area from Mexico City.

The Salvation Army is grateful to a number of large stores and food chains which have provided goods to be distributed to people living in the worst-hit areas. It is also coordinating the distribution of medicines and clothing provided by the United Way of Mexico and some churches in Mexico City have united to collect goods to be given to the people of Tabasco. They have asked the Army to transport and coordinate the distribution of these goods.

The most urgent requirements at this time are clean water, canned food, salt, sugar, medicines for infections, insect repellent, babies' nappies (diapers) and every type of cleaning supplies.

Major Mike Caffull, International Emergency Services Field Operations Officer, comments: 'We have seen on our television screens something of the difficulties being faced but it is impossible to comprehend the suffering and need caused by this terrible disaster in Mexico. So much is already taking place and significant result are being accomplished but, without doubt, there is much more to do.'

Further funding is being urgently sought so that more relief supplies can be purchased for the many thousands of people who desperately need help.

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