Wahroonga, New South Wales — The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is providing immediate food and water relief for 1500-2000 people affected by the tsunami that devastated coastal areas of Samoa on Wednesday.
ADRA is providing packs of flour, sugar, tinned fish, dry food, bottled water and cooking oil to survivors of the disaster for an initial 30 day period, to help sustain them in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. In addition, ADRA will provide transistor radios and lanterns. These relief supplies are in response to a request by the Disaster Management Council of the Samoan Government.
In partnership with ADRA Australia, ADRA New Zealand has deployed its International Programmes Director, Dayan Eager, to Samoa to coordinate the response.
"There are a lot of families in shock right now that need immediate help," said Mr. Eager. "This initial supply of goods will help them recover in the short-term, while we plan and implement our long-term recovery program to help them back on their feet."
"The people are absolutely shattered and they face an enormous task in returning to any kind of normality," he continued. "But the process of clearing up is well under way and this initial response is a part of that. We are here to help survivors recover from this terrible tragedy."
ADRA will distribute its food and water supplies in partnership with the Samoan Seventh-day Adventist Mission, which already has an established network of volunteers in the country. The Seventh-day Adventist Mission will continue to provide long-term support to ADRA's response.
ADRA will continue to work closely with the Disaster Management Council, other non-government organisations (NGOs) and local partners to provide a coordinated response to the disaster. ADRA is committed to the long-term needs of affected communities.
ADRA Australia has opened a Pacific Disaster Appeal and is calling for support for its response efforts in the region. Donations can be made to ADRA Australia by calling 1800 242 372 or visiting ADRA Australia's website. Donations to ADRA Australia's Pacific Disaster Appeal will be used to support the immediate disaster relief activities in the area. If the appeal raises more funds than are immediately needed, donations will be allocated to ADRA Australia's ongoing emergency management activities in the region.
ADRA Australia is a non-government organisation (NGO) engaging in development projects and emergency management activities for people in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It is fully accredited with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and is signatory to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct. The ADRA network has a presence in 125 countries. For more information about ADRA Australia, and to sign-up for free email updates visit ADRA Australia's website.
Media Enquiries:
Candice Jaques
p 02 9489 5488
m 0407 172 305
e news@adra.org.au
www.adra.org.au
