In the coming days The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will purchase and distribute relief supplies to aid more than 400 people who have evacuated their homes due to recent volcanic activity on the Vanuatu island of Gaua.  

According to the Latter-day Saints’ Area Welfare Manager, Steve Stebbings, “the volcano has been getting steadily more active for over a month and many residents on the island are suffering from respiratory problems and diarrhea caused by the volcano’s pungent sulpher fumes.”

“There is a great need for food, water, medical supplies and shelter,” he said.

The Church has donated 25,000USD for the purchase of relief supplies for the communities affected by the volcanic activity on the island.  Supplies will be bought and distributed to supplement local resources. The Church will coordinate relief efforts with local government officials. Local Latter-day Saints will assist in the distribution of the supplies.

23 of those who have been forced to leave their homes are members of the Church.

Latter-day Saints seek to respond quickly to disasters around the world by storing medical and other emergency supplies, including food and water.   

Church leaders encourage members of the Church to store water, food and other emergency supplies for their family in the event of an emergency.  The Church’s website, www.providentliving.lds.org contains information about emergency preparedness.

The photograph attached to this article features volunteers packing relief boxes at the Church’s Humanitarian Center in Utah, United States.