Salvation Army Responds to Fredericton Floods

Volunteer prepares meals to serve to flood victims
by SalvationArmy.ca
Categories: Articles, Feature, Mobile, Newswire
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While widespread flooding continues to create concern in Fredericton, N.B., The Salvation Army is providing food, shelter and clothing for residents. “This is one of the worst floods New Brunswick has seen in recent history,” says Larry Moss, emergency disaster coordinator for The Salvation Army.

Five days after the St. John River swelled over its banks in Fredericton, water levels are still going up. The provincial emergency management organization (EMO) says flooding could exceed levels of 2008 when the last major flood occurred in the area.

“Our facility has a generator, full-service kitchen where we are preparing meals, showers, a gymnasium with cots and classrooms that can house families who want to stay together,” says Moss.

“Displaced people are arriving in shock,” says Moss. “This disaster was totally unexpected. Some people are staying with friends and coming for meals. One woman came for clothing vouchers to our thrift store as her basement apartment closet exploded and they left with only the clothes on their backs. I expect our cots will fill up quickly when mandatory evacuations are put in place.

“When the water goes down and roads open it could be a long time before people get back into their homes,” says Moss. “The Salvation Army will continue to support them with practical assistance and emotional and spiritual care.”