District Officer Captain Bibhudan Samaddar visits injured survivors in hospital, where medicine and beds are in short supply

Salvationist in Bangladesh are responding after an eight-storey building collapsed in Savar, about 30 kilometres from the capital city, Dhaka. At least 200 people have been killed in the disaster, though that number is likely to rise as rescuers work their way through the ruins.

The Bangladesh Command’s training college is only a kilometre from the scene so officers and cadets were on hand very quickly. A team led by Captain Bibhudan Samaddar (District Officer, Dhaka) was asked by a government coordinator to provide medicine to a local clinic and hospitals. Lack of medical supplies is the most pressing immediate concern at the site of the disaster and across the area.

The Salvation Army officers and cadets have been faced with some gruesome sights, including bodies left in the open while the search for survivors continues. They have bought supplies of what is known as ‘Blessing Powder’, which they sprinkled on the bodies to keep away insects and prevent the spread of infection.

An initial sum of US$3,000 is being sent to Bangladesh from International Headquarters in London. This will cover the cost of medical supplies and food parcels for families of people who worked in the three garment factories that were housed in the destroyed building.

Lieut-Colonel Alistair Venter, Officer Commanding of the Bangladesh Command, says that The Salvation Army is seeking to fulfil needs that are not currently being met by the government, particularly while the rescue operation continues to be a priority. ‘We want to bring relief to those who are suffering,’ he writes, ‘and try to address some of the challenges that the bereaved and injured family members are facing.’

Report by the Communications Section
International Headquarters

Lt. Dan Whipple surveys the fire damage with a representative
of the fire department. Photo by Audra Whipple

The Salvation Army recently assisted evacuees of the Ponderosa Fire, which threatened more than 3,000 structures and 4,000 people in Northern California. For six days at the evacuation center near Redding, the Army fed evacuees, volunteers, and fire personnel. Volunteers drove up the mountain to provide water, energy drinks, sports drinks, snacks, and meals to those working on the fire. In total, The Salvation Army served more than 2,300 meals and more than 9,250 bottles of water, juice, sports and energy drinks.

Local radio station KRCR held a cash drive, raising more than $20,000 for The Salvation Army, and brought in a Teamsters truck with 21 pallets of water.

“We’ve been humbled by the outpouring and support raised by the Redding community,” said Lt. Dan Whipple, Redding corps officer.

As residents returned home, the Redding Corps delivered food boxes with non-refrigerated items and water.

By Erica Andrews

Flooding in Atlantic Beach, N.C. Photo courtesy of National Headquarters

On the heels of the unusual magnitude 5.8 Virginia earthquake Aug. 23, which sent shockwaves as far away as South Carolina and Maine, Hurricane Irene made landfall in North Carolina Aug. 27 and continued up the Eastern Seaboard claiming at least 45 lives, forcing 10,000 flight cancelations and leaving millions without power.

The Salvation Army damage assessment teams are working throughout North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware providing mass feeding of evacuees and assistance to fire, rescue, police and other emergency response personnel.

Major George Hood, national community relations and development secretary, said although he is “cautiously optimistic” that the damage reports aren’t as bad as previously thought, he knows there still remains more work to do. “It is critical that we provide the base of support for damage assessment teams, rescue personnel and survivors,” Hood said in a press release.

In advance of the hurricane, National Commander Commissioner William Roberts declared it a national disaster, spurring Salvation Army personnel—along with 370 canteens—into strategic staging locations between the Carolinas and New England.

Although the storm didn’t have the devastation that forecasters predicted, it did cause the worst flooding that Vermont has seen in a century.

Salvation Army volunteers distributing meals talk to a local resident in North Carolina. Photo courtesy of National Headquarters

“We prepared for the worst and we got the worst in central and southern Vermont,” Gov. Peter Shumlin told the Huffington Post. “We have extraordinary infrastructure damage.” This damage included the loss of at least three historic covered bridges and hundreds of road closures, causing the state to be declared a federal disaster area.

By the time the storm reached New York, it was downgraded to a tropical storm and its winds weakened to 65 mph. Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered 370,000 residents to evacuate homes in low-lying areas to ensure their safety.

The Salvation Army is also serving those affected by Hurricane Irene in Puerto Rico. Nearly 800,000 residents of Puerto Rico are without power and Salvation Army shelters continue to be available in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Croix. In the Bahamas, an emergency operations center was established in Kingston, where the Army is distributing food and water supplies. Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) and bottled water were shipped to the Turks and Caicos.

To donate to The Salvation Army’s hurricane response, text “STORM” to 80888 to give $10, visit salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Many homes in Tuscaloosa, Ala., have been severely damaged. The Salvation Army is going into neighborhoods ensuring that people are safe. Photo by Chris Golden

The Salvation Army continues its tornado emergency disaster response.

By Buffy Lincoln

Nationwide, The Salvation Army responded in May and June as a series of tornadoes ripped through several regions of the U.S., leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in the South, Midwest and Northeast.

On May 10, the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division of The Salvation Army responded to multiple areas in Oklahoma where tornadoes touched down. Six mobile and hydration units were dispatched to bring relief to victims and first responders.

The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) is helping survivors locate family and loved ones with its ham radio service. The Central Oklahoma Area Command is posting regular online updates to Twitter.

Tornadoes hit Kansas and Missouri on May 21-22. The Salvation Army was the first relief agency on the scene—immediately deploying four mobile feeding units, which served meals, snacks and cold drinks to more than 250 people. At least six canteens continue to feed survivors throughout Joplin, Mo., and the Army is offering emotional and spiritual care.

To date, The Salvation Army has fed at least 7,500 responders and victims in Kansas and Missouri. Caseworkers are providing financial aid to help with immediate needs such as food, clothing, medicine, shelter, bedding and baby products. Kansas City Television station KSHB-TV supported the Army’s efforts with a weeklong phone marathon.

Sedalia, Mo., was hit on May 25. One refectory from the Kansas City team was sent to feed and assist victims and volunteers.

The Army immediately responded to north Minneapolis (Minn.) on June 1 when a twister left at least four dead in its path. An Army mobile kitchen served 3,300 meals and refreshments—more than 800 on the day of the calamity.

Accustomed to an occasional hurricane, Massachusetts was in shock when a tornado struck the Springfield area on June 1. The Army has provided over 1,800 meals and 200 cots to victims and first responders.

Destruction in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Photo by Jason Koenig

Alabama is slowly recovering from the treacherous tornado that hit on April 27. The Army’s properties in Tuscaloosa were completely destroyed; however, Salvationists continued offering support even though their own facilities were gone. Emergency Disaster Services personnel continue to meet the emotional, material and spiritual needs of the survivors there.

Thirty-eight mobile feeding units and one shower trailer currently serve Alabama and Mississippi, reinforced by units from Florida and Georgia.

The destruction from the April 27 tornado is still evident. Relief efforts remain in force and the Army continues to ask for donations.

The Salvation Army will continue to provide assistance where needed, as resources allow.

To donate to The Salvation Army’s relief efforts, please visit salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Keep up with the Army’s latest national news at blog.salvationarmyusa.org.

Read first-hand accounts of Western Territory Salvation Army volunteers serving in Alabama at New Frontier online: newfrontierpublications.org. A list of the Western Territory volunteers serving at the disaster sites is also online.

From emergency news releases

As the winds lost their strength, communities throughout the South were left to face yet another disaster: floods.  The storms’ rains have pushed southern rivers to historic levels.  As cities flood and people are displaced, The Salvation Army will continue to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The following information represents the Southern Territory’s fifteen states and the District of Columbia.

• The Salvation Army has served 200,000+ hot meals, 456,000+ sandwiches, snacks & drinks.

• The Salvation Army has provided 54 Mobile Feeding Units (Canteens), 1 Field Kitchen, capable of producing 20,000 hot meals per day, 1 Shower Unit, and 2 Satellite Communications trailers.

• The Salvation Army has ministered through its Pastoral Care to 9,000+ individuals.

• The Salvation Army has begun helping with emergency Social Services in several locations.

• Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers have served a total of 52,000+ hours.

“This is the first time since Katrina that The Salvation Army has had all of its divisions of the fifteen Southern United States Territory activated in relief efforts or on stand-by to serve,” states Southern Territory Disaster Director Jeff Jellets.

Since April 25th, The Salvation Army of Memphis has been meeting with Emergency Management of Shelby County, TN and partnering agencies to meet immediate needs and to determine a long term recovery plan.   “The Salvation Army is prepared to serve until we are no longer needed.  It is a privilege and our mission to serve and be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need,” states Memphis Area Commander, Major Mark Woodcock.  To date, the Memphis Area Command disaster response has provided over 4,000 hot meals and over 10,000 snacks and drinks.  At this time, Salvation Army Mobile Feeding Units (canteens) from Memphis and Jackson, TN, and Owensboro, KY are serving in those areas affected by the flooding.

The Army began assisting tornado victims when first set of storms hit Pinellas County, Fla. on March 31. Then another pair of tornadoes struck Pulaski and Draper, Va. April 8. A week later, the storms spread to Tushka, Okla., Jackson, Miss. and North Carolina. The state’s governor Bev Purdue declared a state of emergency in North Carolina as of April 16. Tornadoes then afflicted Vilona, Ark. on April 25 and continued to roll through northern Alabama, northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee. Other affected locations include Kentucky and South Carolina.

The most recent bout of deadly storms hit Alabama hard the last week of April. Tuscaloosa and Birmingham were severely affected. NPR reported, “Federal officials say there were more tornadoes on a single day… than on any other day in U.S. history.”

So far, over 300 tornadoes touched down in the south, leading to 350 deaths and billions of dollars worth of damage.

Many smaller towns in Alabama, like Hackleburg, were also devastated. The Red Cross declared the little town 75 percent destroyed.

“Every building in downtown is a pile of rubble. The school is demolished. The largest employer—a Wrangler jeans plant—may not reopen,” NPR said. It also reported it will take years for Southeastern towns like Hackleburg to recover.

As of May 4, the Army continues to serve those in the highly damaged areas. Chattanooga (Tenn.) Area Disaster response has served more than 1,000 victims since April 28. About 38 canteens are spread across Alabama and Mississippi, serving tens of thousands of meals and drinks. The Army also has seven other canteens traveling across Tennessee and Kentucky.

Emergency Disaster Service (EDS)personnel from divisions in the Southern Territory are providing food, drink, emotional and spiritual care to the victims and other resources, like clean-up kits, are available as needed in a number of areas. Salvation Army EDS personnel and mobile feeding units are on standby in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, Florida and Texas. They will serve if needed.

Atlanta, GA

Currently, EDS personnel are providing food, beverages and emotional/spiritual care to storm victims in Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia. Additional resources, such as clean-up kits, are being made available as needed in a number of areas.

Additional Salvation Army EDS personnel and mobile feeding units currently on standby in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Maryland and West Virginia, Florida, and Texas will be deployed as needed.

Arkansas – An EDS mobile feeding unit has been sent to the Pocahontas area of Randolph County. The main levee protecting that town from the Black River has broken as of 10:00am today. Highway 67 between Pocahontas and Walnut Ridge is under water.

Alabama – Alabama, which was especially hard hit, has seen the death count rise to approximately 180 people.  Salvation Army EDS personnel and mobile feeding units are serving multiple locations throughout the state. Three mobile feeding crews are serving in Tuscaloosa, two in Guntersville, one in Phil Campbell, one in Marion County, one in Molten and six in Birmingham. The Salvation Army Corps and Shelter in Tuscaloosa was destroyed as tornadoes ripped through the area.

Mississippi – Mobile feeding units are currently serving residents of Kemper County, Webster County and Oxford. Additionally information will be shared as reports are made available.

Tennessee – EDS personnel are actively serving residents of Cleveland, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Dyersburg, Greenville and Memphis. Additional units are on standby throughout the state ready to respond as needed.

Cleveland, TN:  EDS staff and more than 100 volunteers have provided approximately 800 meals to first responders and victims through mobile feeding operations. Additionally, beverages and snacks are being provided to emergency shelter residents at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.

Chattanooga, TN:  The Salvation Army served throughout the night in Catoosa County, GA where there were a confirmed 30 severe injuries and 7 fatalities. Mobile kitchen units are currently serving in Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Hamilton Counties. The Salvation Army is partnering with the Chattanooga Red Cross and The Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief to meet shelter and food needs of affected residents.

Murfreesboro, TN:  The Salvation Army has deployed its canteen and is currently serving storm damaged areas with emergency food, drink and clean-up kits. Reports have been given to The Salvation Army which indicate that more than 150 homes have been affected and that residents face at least 72 hours without electricity.

Dyersburg, TN:  The community of Southtown in Dyer County has been evacuated to Dyersburg for fear of levee failure. The Salvation Army will be feeding temporary shelter residents from their soup kitchen in Dyersburg. Mobile feeding units will serve volunteers who are sand bagging areas in an effort to save homes.

Clarksville, TN:  The Salvation Army in Clarksville had to evacuate their building due to flooding. Despite this setback, EDS personnel are assessing local flood damage and are prepared to serve as needed.

Greenville, TN:  Stationary and roving feeding units are in place and serving flooded areas.

Memphis, TN:  The Salvation Army of Memphis has served breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Emergency Operations Center and is providing the above meals to those who are filling sandbags at the Pyramid. EDS personnel are also on standby to provide mass feeding to potential flood victims.

Kentucky – Following severe storms yesterday and today, the state of Kentucky faces extensive flood risks.

Paducah, KY:  The Salvation Army of Paducah is providing meals, beverages and support for the local temporary emergency shelter serving flood evacuees. Preparations are also being made to support sandbagging efforts.

Henderson, KY:  The Salvation Army of Henderson is currently assessing potential flood damage. The town of Reed has been evacuated. They continue to respond to the tornado that hit Poole, KY. EDS personnel have been requested to provide assistance in Union County to deliver meals to those sandbagging. Teams are on standby to provide meals to the local shelter.

Louisville, KY:  The Louisville Salvation Army is on standby to serve should there be any flooding and continues to monitor the rising waters.

Georgia – The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services teams in Georgia are on standby and ready to serve victims, first responders and volunteers from mobile feeding units in Georgia and Alabama. In addition to feeding, The Salvation Army is prepared to provide clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, and emotional/spiritual care. Because of recorded deaths and destruction in Catoosa, Floyd and Walker Counties, Governor Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency for Georgia.

The Salvation Army is grateful to the public for their continued support.

The best way to help tornado survivors and rescue workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. The Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate their gift “April 2011 Tornado Outbreak.”

By Bongshik Hong, Major

The Korean EDS team helps in the distribution of supplies. Photo by Keri Shay

After Japan’s 9.0-magnitude earthquake on March 11, an emergency disaster services (EDS) team from The Salvation Army Korea Territory traveled to the stricken country, delivering supplies, helping clean up and offering spiritual comfort.

Major Bongshik Hong, Korean territorial public relations secretary, reports below on the Korea Territory’s efforts to help Japan.

Immediately upon news of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, The Salvation Army Korea Territory called an emergency meeting for early the next morning to plan possible measures to help the nearby country.

A three-fold plan emerged at the meeting: 1) The Korea Territory will conduct specific prayer for Japan for one month; 2) All the Korean corps will participate in offerings for Japan; and 3) The Korea Territory will hold fundraising through a Red Kettle Appeal.

On March 18-19, the Red Kettle Appeal launched on the street with 30 annually appear for the Christmas season. This appeal was the first to occur in March since the Red Kettle came into Korea 83 years ago. Many people took part in this fundraising, showing their love and concern. In addition to the street fundraising, a large number of people have donated both online and offline, through the territory. To date, the total amount raised is $336,000 USD. Korea Disaster Relief Association and K-Water joined the territory in helping Japan by shipping water bottles and other goods to the Japan Territory on March 19 and 26.

Korean team in Japan

The Korea Territory Emergency Relief Team, made up of 10 Salvationists, set out for Japan on March 30, bringing relief to Tokyo and Sendai. Despite the danger and fear of radioactive materials, the team didn’t hesitate, remembering the plea, “Come over and help us!”

On this short trip of three days and two nights, the team divided into two groups, each carrying out its duties successfully. The first group handled water bottles and other relief goods that had already arrived, and also discussed further relief plans with Japanese personnel. It was especially meaningful for the group to meet an elderly Korean woman, named Song, Shin-do, who lived in the area most affected by the disaster and whose house had been totally destroyed. She was deeply moved when team members delivered a letter of consolation from Korea Territorial Commander Park, Man-hee, a box of traditional Korean cookies and $9,000 USD.

The second team, in cooperation with Korean missionaries in Japan, went into Sendai, the most seriously damaged city. The long drive—about nine hours to Sendai from Tokyo—led through Hukushima, where the people felt extremely threatened from the danger of the flow of radioactive materials from the nuclear power plant. Our relief members didn’t mind the fearful situation there, caring for needs of people evacuated in a shelter, and also comforting them.

The relief team—encouraged by the earnest prayers of Korean Salvationists for the Japanese people—was able to offer compassionate assistance to the Japanese, in cooperation with the Japan Territory and Korean missionaries.

Japan’s situation is still serious, not only from the earthquake and aftershocks, but also from radioactive materials from the nuclear power plant. Salvationists everywhere must continue to pray for Japan’s recovery. We still hear the voice of the Lord, urging, “Go over to Japan and help them.” We will keep making every possible effort for Japan, to ease their suffering.

U.S. team member’s testimony

Salvationist Keri Shay, a freelance photographer from Chicago, writes: “The Korea Territory asked me to join their team for the trip to Japan. I believe the Lord put this opportunity in front of me—he worked out all the details for me to go. I was a little nervous because of the health risks, but I knew God had a plan for the team. We were able to go to Sendai with a Korean pastor who was a friend of one of the Korean officers on the team. We visited a shelter and helped hand out food, clothes and toiletries. Meeting the people in the shelter impacted me the most. Seeing the devastation on the streets and the homes destroyed was jarring, but spending time with the people who had just lost their homes and much more struck me deeply. It was incredible to see these earthquake victims first hand and experience their kindness toward us despite their current situation. I know I have a responsibility to continue to pray for Japan and the people I met.”

By Alma Bahman

The Salvation Army is currently focusing on immediate response to the massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake—also known as the Tohoku Earthquake—followed by a tsunami that devastated Japan March 11.

International Emergency Services worker Major Raelton Gibbs said the Army is also preparing long-term plans. The three emergency service teams working in Japan returned to territorial headquarters in Tokyo to help develop these plans. The Army will pay close attention to overlooked communities.

“The work that has been done is commendable,” Gibbs said in a press release.

Sendai, located on the coast and 80 miles away from the earthquake’s epicenter, sustained the most damage. The Salvation Army sent a team to Sendai the night of the disaster to offer supplies and other necessities. The team also assessed the damage and determined other courses of action, according to a Salvation Army press release. The trip from Tokyo took 20 hours as opposed to the usual six hours. Tokyo is about 249 miles from Sendai.

Commissioner Makoto Yoshida of the Army’s Japan Territory was at territorial headquarters when the earthquake hit.

“Our building swayed tremendously. It was hard for us to keep standing and many of us were really frightened,” he said in a press release.

On March 14, the Army sent three emergency service relief teams to provide support. One team assisted people evacuated from areas most in danger from the damaged nuclear power plants. The Army prepared hot drinks and meals in its mobile emergency canteen at Sendai Corps (the Salvation Army church).

The second team distributed water, food, blankets, diapers and tissue boxes to evacuees in Mito City, located approximately 11 miles from the Tokai nuclear power plant. The third team went to aid evacuees from around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Besides the damage done to buildings, halted public transit, disconnected phone lines, no no electricity, destroyed road and rail systems, a shortage of fuel and snow also hindered the teams from getting aid to those in need. Most gas stations, markets and restaurants closed and some still remain out of service.

The most troubling damage was to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Relief teams are not permitted into these areas.

The Japanese government recognized the Army’s work and permitted the teams to enter the disaster area and access roads that are closed off to the public. The Army has served in Sendai, Koriyama, Shirakawa, Fukushima and Mito City.

Support in the form of donations has come in from around the world. International Headquarters (IHQ) established a Japan Disaster Fund appeal and as of March 21, donations to The Salvation Army equaled $3,742,000. Over $3 million of these donations were made online followed by text-to-give, mail and phone.

The Korea Territory began fundraising for relief efforts March 14 and will continue to do so for a month. The territory also arranged for 100,000 water bottles and 5,000 first-aid kits to be sent to Japan by the K-Water Corporation and the Korea Disaster Relief Association, respectively.

The Salvation Army has been present in Japan since 1895.

On March 19, the Associated Press reported, “A week after the disasters devastated the northeast coast, [Japan’s] National Police Agency said… 7,348 people died and 10,947 were missing.”

See more at Salvationist.org

A Salvation Army truck is used to serve soup and bring supplies to earthquake survivors. Photo courtesy of International Headquarters

By Ken Cavallero

The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked an area of Japan 243 miles north of Tokyo is estimated to be 700 times stronger than the Haiti quake a year ago and 30 times stronger than the 1906 San Francisco quake. It was the fourth largest in the world since 1900, just behind Sumatra’s 9.1 magnitude temblor in 2004.

Less than two hours after it struck Japan, Western Territorial Headquarters issued an alert to the divisional Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) directors advising of the quake and the tsunami watch, which was soon upgraded to a warning for the Pacific Islands including Hawaii, Guam, and the Marshall Islands. The West coast from Mexico to Alaska remained under a tsunami watch.

By 1 a.m.—30 mins. after the alert— Hawaii was preparing. Major George Rodriguera, EDS director for Hawaii Island, reported that all Hawaii corps located in the tsunami evacuation zone were seeking higher ground. Hanapepe, Lahaina, Kahului, Hilo, and all neighboring island officers were on standby.

In Saipan, Captain Tomas Taylor, corps officer and Micronesian Island coordinator, advised that most of the corps families had evacuated to the Capitol Hill Corps Community Center.

When the tsunami headed for Hawaii, the Pacific coast from Point Conception, Calif., north to Alaska were upgraded from a watch to a warning. The tsunami crossed the Pacific in about 18 hours.

EDS responses

•Hawaii—Most damage was to docks  and boats with some local area flooding. EDS teams remained ready.

•Cascade Division—According to EDS  Director Raunie Aasland, the most damage was in the Brookings and Depot harbors. After examination,emergency shelter and food went to Brookings for displaced individuals  living on boats. Most damage was to the commercial fishing fleet, port, and processing plants. Several boats sunk.

- The Tillamook area received some lowland flooding, but no homes were flooded. Army units were on standby.

- The Salvation Army was the only responding relief agency to the Oregon coast.

•Del Oro Division—EDS Director Major Jeanne Stromberg reported that Crescent City’s port suffered severe damage to its fishing fleet and docks. The Army’s Eureka Mobile Kitchen was on standby.

•Golden State Division—Major Kelley Pontsler, divisional business secretary, reported that the Santa Cruz harbor area was hardest hit. The Santa Cruz Mobile Kitchen served evacuees, the Emergency Operations Center, and the response crews at the harbor area. The Watsonville Corps assisted.

•Southern California Division—EDS  Director June Loo maintained contact with county and local emergency operations centers.

•Sierra del Mar Division—EDS Director Don Read stayed in touch with county and local emergency operations centers.

The Salvation Army Emergency Response teams from the Hawaii and Pacific Islands to the coastal divisions were ready to respond with little advance warning.