Rome, Italy [Notizie Avventiste, CD EUDNews]. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church expresses its condolences for the many victims of the flood in Sardinia and is close to the people who have lost their homes and their property.
"We are particularly concerned for the Sardinian population that has experienced this terrible tragedy," said pastor Franco Evangelisti, president of the Italian Union. "We are praying for the families involved and we ask the Lord to help us be his hands to alleviate the suffering bringing practical help, and to be his voice to give comfort and peace."
The Adventist church immediately activated its assistance and relief agency, ADRA, to offer support to the people in the areas devastated by the "Cleopatra Cyclone”, which hit the northern part of the island at the beginning of the week. Sixteen people have lost their lives, among them four children. There were 1,749 people housed in shelters or with family.
Adra Italy launched a petition for the emergency in Sardinia. Following the disaster that struck the northern part of Sardinia, ADRA contacted the Italian Civil Protection Department to ask for more information on the conditions of the premises and to offer any services needed. The head of the local Civil Protection office is a member of the Adventist Church in Cagliari. He confirms that the situation is very critical, particularly in relation to buildings and civil structures.
At present there is a large number of rescue personnel at work including Civil Protection, Red Cross, Firemen, Italian Army and Forest Rangers. The main operation is the evacuation of muddy roads, construction of embankments to prevent further flooding of the rivers, monitoring dams and ponds in the area and emptying all flooded buildings with the use of hydraulic pumps.
All evacuees are now housed in shelters or found temporary accommodation with family. Adra Italy will remain in touch with the contact person on the island. Updates will be needed to take appropriate actions in certain areas where necessary.
Adra Italy has also opened an appeal for contributions for this emergency. Those who wish, could make a donation via bank account or post office, specifying the reason:
Emergenza Sardegna
Bank account: IBAN IT 95E 01030 03203 000 000 866 909
Bic / Swift PASCITM 1 RM3
Postal Account : 16080004
All the donations, as part of the funds that ADRA provides for emergencies, will be allocated to the intervention, aid and assistance, reported by our representatives and local institutions.
picture: Franco Evangelisti, President of the Italian Union;