Buffalo, USA – Tuesday, October 24, President George Bush declared the Buffalo situation (downed-trees, broken power lines, flooding from snow and rain-storms) a National Disaster and has dispatched FEMA funds to assist households.
Background: Two weeks ago, on Friday the 13th, four upstate New York counties (Erie, Niagara, Genesee, and Orleans) were inundated with 24-30 inches of snow and a subsequent week of torrential rains.
The Salvation Army Disaster Services personnel from the Empire State Division, with help from their Canadian neighbors (Ontario’s St. Catharine), have been busy at work to meet the needs of the flood victims and workers who have been clearing debris. To date, the Army’s disaster units have provided the following:
· 325 clean-up kits to the flood victims (disinfectants, mops, brooms, buckets, etc.)
· Over 6300 meals
· Cots and blankets for those evacuated from their flooded homes.