Salvation Army responds to severe flooding in Guyana, South America

The Salvation Army is responding to an emergency in Guyana caused by unending rain. Half the country’s population is affected. Food, medicines, blankets, mattresses, water pumps and containers, and water purifying tablets are urgently needed, and unobtainable within Guyana.

The situation took almost every one off guard and is now crucial. It is still raining and the people living in the back land, as it is known, are not being reached by rescue or aid workers. The extent of the damage is yet to be fully assessed. The farmers are particularly badly affected and the cost of food has risen drastically. Some items are available only on the black market.

The Salvation Army has been preparing hot meals and giving dry food items to families. The need is great and growing every day. Although it is believed that only three lives have been lost, the potential for the spread of disease is great, as a result of people drinking contaminated water.

The Salvation Army is purchasing mattresses and blankets for distribution and, as soon as the waters recede, cleaning materials will be given out to enable people to make their homes habitable again.

In response to this urgent situation, US$30,000 has been released from local emergency funds. Donations in support of this relief effort may be sent to the Latin America Disaster Fund at International Headquarters.