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CWS/ERP Situation Report: 2006 Western New York Winter Storm

October 20, 2006

Up to two feet of snow fell over western New York late last week, flooding homes and knocking out power and phone service to some 392,000 homes, businesses, schools, and churches. Officials attributed 12 deaths to the storm. The heavy wet snow -- a record-breaker for this time of year -- brought Erie, Genesee, Orleans, and Niagara counties to a virtual standstill as government officials scrambled to mobilize snow removal equipment in response to the surprise storm.

Because of power outages, a water pumping station in Erie County failed and some 30 fires related to candles and portable generators broke out in the Buffalo area. On a 105-mile stretch of the New York State Thruway, which was closed by the storm for hours, snowmobiles had to deliver food and water to stranded motorists.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared affected areas eligible for Public Assistance and it is conducting a preliminary damage assessment (PDA) to determine the need for an Individual Assistance declaration.

In the wake of the storm, food loss is the biggest immediate issue. Long-term recovery issues facing disabled, elderly, and low income persons include loss of wages for day workers, extensive basement flooding, damage to furnaces and water heaters, reconnecting power to homes which lost electricity because of downed tree limbs, and debris removal from private property.

Response:

CWS is sending 500 CWS Clean-up Buckets to the City of Buffalo in response to needs of its residents following the snowstorm.

CWS Disaster Response and Recovery Liaison Joann Hale, who is based in western New York, along with other faith and community-based partners is assessing possible roles for the faith community in addressing long-term recovery issues such as debris removal, repair of damaged roofs and basements, economic impact because of loss of income and food due to power outages. She is meeting with 30 Buffalo area human service agencies, including faith groups, which are seeking to coordinate their disaster work.

At this time, Church World Service does not anticipate issuing an emergency appeal.

Media Contact:
Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676;
Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526;

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