UPDATE ON MUDSLIDE IN WASHINGTON STATE
From Jim Truitt:
Here's what I know as of this morning:
- Mother nature still seems to be doing what she does best and is taking care of things herself. The river has cut a new channel, the water is flowing in a well behaved manner and has rejoined the river bed down stream. This dramatically reduces the probablility of a catastrophic release of water and consequent flooding.
- They are still calling this the rescue/recovery phase while they look for survivors and those that didn't make it.
- As we have seen in almost all disasters, there are more unaffiliated volunteers (SUVs) than the communities can handle. They turned away many of them yesterday and have put roadblocks on the roads leading into Darington. Only registered and specialized volunteers are being allowed in the slide area.
- There have been no requests for ERT type assistance. Based on the information I have from the media, emergency agencies, people on the ground in Arlington and the VOAD, it is unlikely we will be asked to send ERTs into the area. If we are asked to respond, it will not be any time soon.
I know you are anxious to help. So am I. But, they don't need our support right now. They need people with search and rescue training, heavy equipment operators, chain saw operators, and dog teams.
Ok, so you and I can make a donation right? Yes we can. Please make it a monetary donation and not clothing or household goods. As we often see donations of goods are already creating a problem. The survivors and those affected by the slide need money for the essentials of life - food, gas, utility bills, lodging, etc. They don't need a toaster right now.
Ok, so you and I can make a donation right? Yes we can. Please make it a monetary donation and not clothing or household goods. As we often see donations of goods are already creating a problem. The survivors and those affected by the slide need money for the essentials of life - food, gas, utility bills, lodging, etc. They don't need a toaster right now.
You can make a donation to the PNW Disaster Relief Fund by sending a check to:
PNW Conference Treasurer
PO Box 13650
Des Moines, WA 98198
If you want your donation to be used only for this event, put Oso Mudslide on the memo line.
Please keep all of those impacted by the mudslide in your prayers.
PNW Conference Treasurer
PO Box 13650
Des Moines, WA 98198
If you want your donation to be used only for this event, put Oso Mudslide on the memo line.
Please keep all of those impacted by the mudslide in your prayers.
Jim
