Silver Spring, Maryland - In the small town of Mariental, Namibia, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) provided emergency relief aid for survivors of flooding that forced 14,000 residents to evacuate, submerging homes and businesses, and creating up to $8 million in damages.

ADRA distributed various relief items, such as mattresses, rice, and other food items for 150 survivors. The criteria for selection of beneficiary begins with those most impoverished, women, children, and the elderly, followed by those without gainful employment.

The project, which is funded by part by ADRA International, and the ADRA office in Namibia, is valued at more than $5,000. It was completed on March 5.

The flooding occurred during late February, when heavy rain caused the Hardap Dam, Namibia's largest dam, to overflow its boundaries, displacing thousands of people. According to the Government of Namibia Emergency Management Unit, the most urgent needs are clean water, shelter, and food.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.