Samaritan’s Purse is preparing to deploy a team of Australians to assist with Hurricane Ian relief in Florida. The Australian relief workers will join with American teams already on the ground in Florida who are assisting devastated storm-affected families.
Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 28, delivering 240-kph winds, heavy rain, and a massive storm surge. It was one of the most powerful storms to ever hit Florida and claimed more than 100 lives, with the death toll rising.
The experienced team of Australians traveling to Florida are part of Samaritan’s Purse Australian Disaster Relief Site Leadership team (SLT) roster. All have extensive experience serving in disaster situations domestically, including recent floods and bushfires.
Ruth and Raymond Dukes from Kingaroy served with SP disaster relief in bushfires on south coast NSW (Batemans Bay) and recent floods in Queensland (Goodna/Brisbane). “We’re excited to be able to help. Americans and Canadians came out to helped us during the bushfires, and we’re grateful to be able to return that.”
Greg Mallin (from Blackheath, NSW) recently returned from serving with Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) in Ukraine. He has deployed as a site leader for multiple disasters within Australia, but this is his first time deploying to the US. “It’s a great opportunity to give back. We’ve been through our share of disasters here in Australia, and we’re ready to offer a hand.”
The people in Florida have been through such a devastating storm – one of the biggest in history. The recovery will be long, and so much help is needed. We’re happy to be able support the USA team. The Australian team will provide much needed support in coordinating volunteers and relief efforts in overwhelmed communities.
Dan Stephens, Disaster Relief Manager
They are all part of Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief site leadership team, who provide management and oversight to disaster recovery teams across Australia. The Aussies will be lending a hand to US teams by filling key gaps in the coordination of relief. Samaritan’s Purse assists homeowners to mud-out flooded homes, tarp roofs, cut downed trees and remove debris.
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