Salvation for displaced flood victims in Soweto March 2009

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Salvation for displaced flood victims in Soweto

Following heavy rains in Soweto last week The Salvation Army has moved swiftly to provide blankets and food to flood victims and is preparing to provide more extensive assistance in the area.

"Houses have been engulfed in mud and water, damaging electrical appliances, furniture and other belongings", said Captain Garth Niemand, the Public Relations Secretary of The Salvation Army.

The Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, has declared Soweto a disaster area as floods have affected several lives and the damages are extensive.

Major David Mhlanga, of The Salvation Army Carl Sithole Campus in Soweto, did an on-site investigation of the extent of the damages caused by the floods to determine the needs of families in the area. The flood victims are in dire need of blankets, food, appliances, shelter, toiletries and bathing essentials.

Salvationists took immediate action by going to Soweto to provide assistance by supplying food and blankets for the time being as the area was and still is in need of immediate assistance, but the organisation is also formulating a comprehensive plan to do more extensive outreach work to assist persons who lost their belongings in the flood.

The Salvation Army is an international movement and has been in the forefront of Disaster Emergency Relief efforts during large-scale disasters such as the USA World Trade Towers attack, the Indian Ocean Tsunami, and at present the Australian bushfires. The Salvation Army also provided enormous support during the xenophobic crisis in South Africa in 2008.

At the end of February more than 20 Salvation Army officers from all areas of the country assembled in Johannesburg to undergo training in Disaster Management skills.

"The training has strengthened the Army's capacity to manage disasters effectively and will benefit victims tremendously", said Captain Peter White, the Salvation Army's Secretary for Emergency Disaster Services in Southern Africa.

For more information on how to assist The Salvation Army in reaching out to Soweto flood victims people can contact Captain Niemand on 011-718-6746.

Monetary donations can be made directly to their bank account: First National Bank, The Salvation Army Red Shield Account, Braamfontein Branch, Code: 251905, Account number: 5054 0087 604. Reference: Soweto Relief.

The donor's name, address and proof of deposit can be faxed to 011 718 6796 or emailed to safpr@saf.salvationarmy.org.

Details can also be found on The Salvation Army's website: www.salvationarmy.org.za.