Silver Spring, Maryland - On April 27, 2003, regional authorities declared the city of Santa Fe, Argentina, a disaster zone. Intense rains caused the banks of the Salado River to overflow forcing the evacuation of more than 50,000 people in a country already struggling economically.

" Flood survivors not only struggle to cope with the temporary or permanent loss of a home, but also very personal possessions that cannot be replaced, such as family photographs, birth certificates and other official documentation," said Charles Sandefur, ADRA International president, who recently visited the disaster site.

ADRA has responded to the flooding with an initial distribution of blankets and a weekly food supplied to 250 families for five weeks, shoes for 600 children, and winter clothing for 3,000 evacuees.

ADRA is also providing washing and drying services at two evacuation centers for those affected. As the waters recede, ADRA will aid in the clean-up and disinfection of homes that can be salvaged.

" As I surveyed the wake of this disaster, my thoughts went out to the families affected, and also the commitment of ADRA Argentina's staff and volunteers as they respond to needs of the flood survivors," Sandefur continued.

Providing individual and community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age or ethnicity, ADRA is present in more than 120 countries.