Specially trained and equipped Disaster Assistance Response Team on its way
CALGARY, Oct. 5, 2016 /CNW/ - Samaritan's Purse is sending specially trained staff and emergency supplies in response to the harm caused by Hurricane Matthew. The Category 4 storm slammed into the desperately poor Caribbean nation's southwestern tip on Tuesday, killing at least 11 people and inundating neighborhoods with water and mud.
The Christian international relief organization has deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team from our international headquarters in North Carolina. Samaritan's Purse will provide life-saving medical care, emergency water, emergency shelter, and likely other forms of aid.
The response team is traveling on Samaritan's Purse's DC-8 airplane loaded with 20 tons of essentials including clean water, blankets, hygiene items, and plastic sheeting for immediate shelter.
"We're asking Canadians to support us through their prayers and donations as we hurry to help Haiti's struggling hurricane victims," said Fred Weiss, Executive Director of Samaritan's Purse Canada. "They desperately need our help."
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and the hurricane has caused extensive damage to the island nation that is still recovering from the 2010 earthquake. Torrential rainfall and high winds have caused severe flooding, washed away bridges, and destroyed or damaged thousands of homes. Initial reports indicate 2.5 million have been harmed in some way, and the death toll will continue to rise.
"Hurricane Matthew has wreaked havoc on Haiti," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "Our teams are on the ground helping in Jesus' Name. They're going to do all they can to meet the needs of the suffering people there. Please pray for the people of Haiti as they recover from this deadly storm."
Samaritan's Purse has been in Haiti for several years, providing a variety of relief and development help.
Donations Needed: Canadians can donate to Samaritan's Purse disaster relief work in Haiti and around the world donate by calling 1-800-663-6500 or visiting SamaritansPurse.ca
About Samaritan's Purse Canada
Samaritan's Purse is a Christian relief and development organization that takes its name from Jesus Christ's biblical story of the Good Samaritan. Like that Good Samaritan, who found a beaten man and helped restore him, we aid victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution. Besides disaster relief, our work includes collecting and distributing gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, and providing vocational skills and agricultural supplies and training to families in the developing world. Learn more at SamaritansPurse.ca
SOURCE Samaritan's Purse Canada
Media Inquiries: Frank King, News Media Relations Manager, Samaritan's Purse Canada, 1-800-663-6500 (work) or 403-990-0161 (mobile), [email protected]
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