Shelterboxes contain a tent suitable for a wide range of conditions, as well as insulated ground sheets, thermal blankets, multi-fuel stoves, other cooking equipment, tools, mosquito nets and water containers
IN response to little-publicised flooding in northern Ghana, The Salvation Army is partnering with the UK charity Shelterbox to provide respite for people affected. Government figures indicate that floods have affected 275,000 people in the Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions of the country. Parts of the Western Region have also seen flooding. Most of the affected people are displaced, although some are still living in what is left of their homes.
‘The magnitude of the disaster is unbelievable, yet nobody is talking about it on the international scene. It’s amazing!’ says Benonita Bismarck of the Ghana Red Cross. ‘So severe were the floods that some victims were forced to take up refuge in trees, and others had to be rescued by boats,’ reported The Statesman newspaper. Many victims are farmers whose crops have been destroyed.
 Colonel Dennis Strissel, Territorial Commander for Ghana, helps local Salvationists distribute rice in the community |
The Salvation Army’s presence in the area most severely affected is small, but the Salvationists are responding in a remarkable way to the needs. Says Colonel Dennis Strissel (Territorial Commander): ‘One hall is being used as a shelter for flood victims who had to evacuate their homes. Many of the homes are nothing more than mud, so we expect them to have been washed away. Many roads are washed out and access to the victims is limited.’
Ironically, farmers in Ghana suffered poor crops this year as a result of drought, and now the flood damage in a region which produces 45 per cent of the total agricultural needs in Ghana will result in an even greater food shortage. ‘We are looking at a major disaster in the months to come,’ says Benonita Bismarck.
Some relief agencies are working in the area, but the situation needs significant intervention. The Salvation Army and Shelterbox have already provided survival kits for 600 people, costing US$100,000. These are made to a unique design using high quality materials, and the tents are suitable for a wide range of conditions. Other items in the kits include insulated ground sheets, thermal blankets, multi-fuel stoves, other cooking equipment, tools, mosquito nets and water containers. Local people greeted their distribution with relief and appreciative cheers.
Rotarian Tom Henderson, director of Shelterbox says: ‘We are so pleased to be able to partner with The Salvation Army, and hope to develop this relationship should future emergency situations require our joint response.’
The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services have also provided a further US$40,000 worth of support. Says Major Mike Caffull: ‘We wish the response could be larger. Although a significant number of people will be supported through this initial response, there are so many more in great need.’
