By Patrick Scriven, Director of Communications and Young People’s Ministry, Pacific Northwest Conference
Photo: The March 22 landslide near Oso in Washington State left at least 14 dead and more than 170 missing. Photo by Washington State Patrol.
Bishop Grant Hagiya asks all United Methodists to join him in prayer for those impacted by this weekend’s mudslide in Snohomish County. “There will be a time to act and respond with whatever help we can offer. For now, let us hold all those who have lost much, and those engaged in responding, in our thoughts and prayers.”
For now, let us hold all those who have lost much, and those engaged in responding, in our thoughts and prayers.” – Bishop Grant Hagiya
Disaster response typically has three stages, response (local authorities – police, fire, ambulance, search & rescue), relief, and recovery. With the response to the mudslide near Oso still in the first stage, our Early Response Team is in a holding pattern until the area is declared safe to enter.
Puget Sound District Superintendent Daniel Foster has been in contact with Jim Truitt our Disaster Response Coordinator. Jim has already been in touch with state, county and local authorities to inform them of the services and assistance our teams have available at the appropriate time. His email sent this morning to our trained ERT’s is copied below.