by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The relentless rain last week resulted in a number of families being displaced due to the flashfloods. As such, one organization has been assisting those in need.

Pulling up in their white Ford Explorer, volunteers with the American Red Cross have been assisting nearly 30 families affected by last week's relentless rain and heavy winds. 17 of the cases have been placed under the damage classification. "Our volunteers are out there right now looking into those cases of those 17 families. So far, we've done the remaining number of those 17 is down to 6," explained American Red Cross emergency services director Dave Peredo. He says more than a dozen volunteers have taken time out of their lives to help others whose homes didn't weather last week's torrential downpours.

In Yona, the Quinene family had to relocate to other relatives' homes after floodwaters turned their home into a swimming pool. Peredo says there were 20 family members living here, saying, "Anytime or event that there are lives that have been displaced or have been affected by any events such as this, then we will step in there - ensuring we make contact with those families and make sure that we help them in meeting their immediate emergency needs such as food, clothing and shelter."

Red Cross volunteers also went to other affected areas, many that Peredo says they have responded to before after other natural disasters. He's hoping other organizations step in to help these residents, saying, "Let's help them begin their recovery efforts in their lives and maybe some sort of mitigation to provide these families, just kind of guidance lead them where they can go to see if they can find some solution and mitigate the situation to avoid it from repeating again in future days or future events of any adverse weather conditions."

Peredo says the American Red Cross is always looking for volunteers. Those who would like to help are asked to call 472-6217/9.

Senator Tina Muna Barnes' office meanwhile is also collecting any donations from the community for those who have been displaced from last week's flash floods.