14 March 2014

THE Salvation Army in New York, USA, is providing shelter and other assistance to people affected by a gas explosion that destroyed two buildings in east Harlem. Eight people are known to have died in the disaster, but emergency responders have not ruled out finding more bodies in the rubble.

At the request of the New York City Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army's Manhattan Citadel Community Center – in the Greater New York Division – is sheltering more than 70 displaced people. School transport is being provided for children who are currently living at the centre.

A resident support centre has been set up in the Salvation Army facility to serve as a 'one-stop' location where affected residents can receive available resources and services from the city and state agencies. These include the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, Department for the Aging, Department of Homeless Services, and Department of Buildings.

Report from the USA Eastern Territory

Tags: Emergencies, Americas and Caribbean, News