More than 100 flood victims get help – task force

Food gift voucher being presented to a flood victim. Photo Credit: Department of Disaster Management

The government-related task force said at least 100 families affected by the tropical wave this month have received assistance from district representatives, as well as the private sector and non-governmental organizations locally and in the neighbouring US Virgin Islands (USVI).

Relief supplies – including food, clothing and beds – have been distributed as part of the ongoing recovery process.

Head of the Aid Management Group of the Recovery Task Force, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Tasha Bertie, said the relief support from multiple sectors is commendable and symbolic of a united British Virgin Islands.

“Collectively, more than 100 families have been assisted. The BVI Red Cross has provided relief support to approximately 30 persons, Family Support Network more than 40 persons, and district representatives have also been providing beds and other essential items to affected individuals,” Bertie said.

She further stated that other individuals contributed relief supplies through voluntary organizations such as the BVI Red Cross, Rotary Clubs, and the Lions Club.

According to Bertie, 78 boxes of clothing, food, bed and bath linens, medicine, toys and other items were donated by individuals in the USVI.

She stated that, in relation to the private sector: “Fifty-two families were assessed and identified as requiring immediate food supplies, following which Road Town Wholesale Trading Limited provided support in the form of $100 gift vouchers which are now being distributed per family.”

OneMart supermarket, owned by works minister Mark Vanterpool, was also seen providing supplies to a number of people.

Bertie, in a press release from the Government Information Service today, emphasized the need for persons who have lost personal property to ensure their claims are filed at the Department of Disaster Management by 4:30pm this week Friday, August 25.

“It is important that individuals continue to file claims so that we can have an idea of who is affected, and identify urgent needs that must be met. The cutoff point is necessary so that we can be in a position to determine the other areas of assistance required and how these can be supported,” Bertie explained.

According to the government, small businesses without insurance and with fewer than 10 employees can also file for assistance.

“Individuals and businesses are, however, asked to note that only limited support will be provided for immediate recovery needs,” the government further said.

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