WHEN Hurricane Matthew caused massive damage across Haiti in the first week of October, the neighbouring country of Dominican Republic was also affected. The Salvation Army is responding to flooding caused when heavy rains from the hurricane and subsequent storms led to the Moca River overflowing. Almost 50 homes were destroyed in Espaillat Province, with a further 300 houses being damaged. The flooding also led to businesses being lost, with farmers particularly badly hit.
Representatives from Moca Corps (Salvation Army church) met with the Civil Protection Chief, Ramon Andres Peña, to coordinate a relief response. Aux-Captains Ovalles from Moca Corps have visited the area where approximately 100 families – including five Salvationists – are being sheltered.
The immediate need is for food, drink and everyday essentials such as clothes, bedding and hygiene items. An initial sum of US$5,100 has been sent from International Headquarters to provide urgent care to 20 families, including 50 children.
Photos of the response can be downloaded from the IHQ Flickr stream: sar.my/hmdomrep
Report by IHQ Communications
International Headquarters