Salvation Army Responds to Tropical Storm Tomas

by Salvation Army
Categories: Newswire
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The Salvation Army across the Caribbean is responding to damage caused by Tropical Storm Tomas. Some countries – including Haiti – have been left relatively unscathed, but others are dealing with the aftermath of the worst storm for many years.

In Barbados the government – through the Ministry of Agriculture – officially wrote to The Salvation Army to express appreciation for its quick and helpful response. The Army provided hot meals to shelters, and assisted individuals with food parcels and other basic necessities.

This was the worst storm to hit Barbados since Hurricane Janet in 1955. 

Tomas left significant damage to homes and businesses. A few Salvation Army properties suffered minor damage and some Salvation Army members suffered the total destruction of their homes. At the time, most homes were without power or water.

In St Lucia, where 14 lives were lost in the storm, the Army is working closely with NEMO, the government’s National Emergency Measures Organisation, to provide assistance to those in need.



There is widespread damage across the island. Some houses lost roofs and others were destroyed. Because of the mountainous nature of the island, many trees have fallen and utility lines are down. Incessant rain for two days has caused water to flow from the mountains and rivers have overflowed their banks.

The flood waters have adversely affected the south of the island where many landslides have caused loss of homes and lives. People can only access certain parts of these areas on foot or by boat. 



The Salvation Army will provide relief assistance in conjunction with NEMO. So far, Salvation Army teams have offered counselling and the daily feeding program to the homeless in the city of Castries has been extended to provide food to some of the utility workers who were undertaking repairs in the north.

In St Vincent The Salvation Army is supporting government-organized relief efforts and offering assistance where possible.