Build Rescue Boats in Flood Prone Communities

Thanks to your fantastic generosity the Armpac area of Banaba now has a brand new flood rescue boat!

In a previous report we described how Armpac was incredibly vulnerable to flooding, and how it’s rapidly growing population meant that a new boat was urgently needed. Happily, our latest flood rescue boat was officially handed over to the community at the end of September.

Prior to the handover ceremony the boat received it's purple paint job and dedication stickers. Moving forward The Nova Mills will protect 420 families from frequent flooding caused by typhoons and heavy rains.

This is the eighth boat that your amazing donations have funded over the years, and its sister vessels have already rescued hundreds of families trapped by the rapidly rising waters. So, we’re incredibly grateful to you for making this latest handover possible.

We also asked some of the local residents about the impact this boat will have and here’s what they had to say.

Vistacion, vice-president of the local homeowners’ association, started by discussing why the boat was so badly needed:

“Because of the high number of families residing now in Armpac, and in the event of big flooding in our locality, many persons would be rescued effectively and efficiently. I am so happy for the handover of Nova Mills. Thank you! “

Rhonnie, former president of the association, then described how you’ve helped to build the local capacity needed as a result:

“Our old boat could only carry three to four persons during flooding emergencies in our community. But The Nova Mills can accommodate twelve persons, so in just two trips with the new boat, twenty-four persons can effectively be rescued! Thank you!”

Finally, Elizabeth, current president, expressed her gratitude:

“All my fellow residents and officers of Armpac Homeowners’ Association feel safer and prepared for any event of flooding because of the Nova Mills. We are so thankful!”

We wholeheartedly echo these sentiments and want to thank you once again for helping to keep Vistacion, Rhonnie, Elizabeth and over 400 more families like theirs safe from flooding.

As always, if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Andy@IDVolunteers.org. I would be delighted to hear from you.

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