Traumatized Atlantic Canada residents are dealing with a level of destruction not seen in recent memory. Hurricane Fiona’s catastrophic wind and rain has knocked out power for more than 500,000 houses and businesses.
Many hundreds of homes and vehicles were damaged, many beyond repair, and some were simply swept into the ocean. The damage was so extensive that the Canadian Armed Forces were called in to help Nova Scotians.
“This morning, we all woke up to some very scary scenes, roads washed out, uprooted trees, mailboxes where they are not supposed to be,” Darlene Compton, Prince Edward Island’s deputy premier, told reporters.
In the midst of this, your prayers and gifts will make a big difference for people struggling to deal with the devastation.
Samaritan’s Purse assessment teams are on the ground surveying the damage in Nova Scotia and P.E.I. Those teams are coordinating with authorities and partner churches to determine areas of greatest need. Those areas are where your donations will enable us to focus relief efforts.
One of our Disaster Relief Units—a specialized tractor trailer equipped with safety equipment, chain saws, tarps and clean-up equipment—has been transported to Cornerstone Baptist Church in P.E.I. After setting up, we will equip volunteers to help families in the Charlottetown region.
“The devastation is so widespread that we could respond in multiple places across Atlantic Canada. We’re glad to do our part to serve people and communities who have lost so much.”
-Tammy Suitor, Canadian disaster relief manager for Samaritan’s Purse
These teams will cut and remove fallen trees, clean up debris from homes, and put tarp on damaged roofs and windows as needed. We will also prepare flooded homes for rebuilding.
Our sister organization, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, often works alongside by providing crisis-trained volunteer chaplains to comfort and pray with volunteers, first responders, and people impacted by disaster. Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are accompanying Samaritan’s Purse staff in P.E.I.
Please pray for the many hurting families and for our teams as we respond in the wake of such devastation.
Note: This web story was originally published on September 24.
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.