(PORTLAND, Ore. Nov. 13, 2009)—Hurricane Ida hit El Salvador last weekend which triggered flooding and massive landslides. The death toll has risen to 144 and thousands of people have been displaced from their homes.
Medical Teams International is sending two of its most experienced volunteers: emergency medical technician and firefighter Joe Troncoso of Portland, Ore. and paramedic Gregg Kendrick of Hornby Island, British Columbia. These two veteran team members also responded to the hurricane, earthquake and volcano eruption that occurred in El Salvador in 2005. They both leave for El Salvador tomorrow.
"Joe and Gregg are a great team," said Mike Wenrick, Latin America Regional Manager for Medical Teams International. "They will once again help direct the National Guard, armed forces, fire department and the police in responding to this disaster by ensuring the standards of health, hygiene and safety in the shelters and search-and-rescue efforts."
Medical Teams International will also send aid to the hardest hit area of San Vicente and work with its partner ENLACE El Salvador and a group of churches in the local communities to provide basic necessities for the affected families.
Medical Teams International also will support the Salvadoran Association for Rural Health's (ASAPROSAR) disaster relief efforts. ASAPROSAR, a Medical Teams International local partner, has been tasked by the Salvadoran government to head the disaster relief efforts. Medical Teams International will mobilize funding, medical supplies and a volunteer team for this campaign.
"This is a testament of the power of volunteerism and the impact we have in other people's lives," added Joe DiCarlo, International Program's director of Medical Teams International. "We are counting on our donors to give so we can help respond to these families who need our help."
Flight details: Joe Troncoso leaves from Portland International Airport at 11:40 pm on Sat., Nov, 14 on Continental flight 208.
If you would like to help, you can make your secure contributions through: www.medicalteams.org/donate, (800) 959-HEAL (4325) or send a donation to P.O. Box 10, Portland, OR 97207-0010.
Since 1979, Medical Teams International has shipped more than $1.3 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and lifesaving medicines to care for 35 million people in 100 countries around the world. More than 2000 volunteers meet the needs of people worldwide each year.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
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