• Christopher McGown

The Salvation Army Coordinating Response to Trapped Miners

Middlesboro, KY (June 20, 2011) - Salvation Army personnel are coordinating with State and local officials to determine how best to meet the needs of the families and rescuers of the miners trapped in a coal mine in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Miners in Jellico #1 mine were cut-off from the surface when fast-rising waters flooded the shaft.   No injuries are reported and officials are communicating with the stranded miners every 15 minutes by hardwired phone.

Divisional Disaster Services Director, Joe Hughes is in route to the affected areas.   Hughes said, “Information is always a challenge at disaster sites, but the severity and extent of the damage is becoming clear.”   Hughes will provide needed support, material, and personnel for the Incident Commander, Captain Adrian Twinney.   Twinney is The Salvation Army Corps Officer responsible for six (6) counties in the area of the flooding, and is based in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Last night’s storms are being blamed for extensive damage in Southeastern Kentucky—flooded homes & businesses, downed trees, closed & partially closed roadways, along with mudslides have all been reported.

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services teams are in action—evaluating the extent of the damage and coordinating response efforts.   Salvation Army mobile feeding kitchens (canteens) from nearby communities have been called in to support those impacted by the storms, as well as those tasked with assisting the survivors.  Still other canteens are placed on standby, ready for deployment should the situation warrant it.

For the latest news about Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services or to make a donation in the support of those impacted by this flooding, please visit:   www.disaster.SalvationArmyUSA.org.  You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

You may also help The Salvation Army now by texting “SAnow” 80888 to make a $10.00 contribution to the relief effort.   The donation will appear on your next phone bill.