Amidst continuing pandemic restrictions, Canadians in two remote Northwest Territories communities have another challenge: devastating floods.
Ice jams caused the Liard and Mackenzie rivers to spill their banks, rising as much as 16 meters and flooding homes in Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River First Nation.
“This is devastating for residents of these communities,” said Tammy Suitor, disaster relief manager for Samaritan’s Purse. “What makes it more difficult is COVID-19 is limiting the relief work that can be done by outside organizations.”
As many as 35 houses were damaged in Fort Simpson, eight severely. In Jean Marie River, all 26 homes were damaged and eight are unliveable. Local and territorial officials have asked for help for the residents.
Samaritan’s Purse is responding in Jesus’ Name through the prayers and support of Canadians like you. COVID-19 restrictions mean we’re not able to offer assistance in person, so we are sending anti-mold spray, backpack sprayers, gloves, Tyvek suits, brushes, and more. These supplies will equip local churches to help families clean and sanitize homes.
This is the second time in a year that Samaritan’s Purse has sent relief supplies to help northern Canadians. Last year, we sent more than 200 COVID-19 community preparedness kits—containing personal protective equipment and vital cleaning supplies—to church and ministry partners in remote communities for distribution to emergency and frontline workers.
As we do this work, we are preparing for another busy season of responding to natural disasters across Canada. You are a vital part of this work through your prayers and gifts, showing families in crisis the love of Christ, who “gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace” (2 Thessalonians 2:16, ESV).
Help Samaritan's Purse respond quickly to victims of disasters within Canada, providing not only physical assistance as people clean up and rebuild after floods, fires, and other disasters, but also emotional and spiritual support in the aftermath of tragedy.