Storm Boris has been raging across Eastern Europe since September 13th, leaving behind an unprecedented disaster. The northern region of Moravia in the Czech Republic received 500 millimeters (20 inches) of rain, exceeding previous flood records. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala described the disaster as a “once-in-100-year flood.” The river overflowed its banks and the entire village was submerged. Thousands of people in the area were evacuated and homes were left without power. Scientology Volunteer Ministers in the Czech Republic have rallied to respond to the needs of the town of Jesenik, one of the hardest hit areas.
Volunteer Ministers worked with town officials and first responders to help assess the damage. And as soon as the floodwaters receded, the hard work began. They worked with firefighters and other first responders to dig homes and businesses out of the mud. Next, we tackled mold on floors, walls, and furniture, which can cause dangerous diseases.
Prime Minister Fiala expressed concern about the risk of food contamination, which created an unexpected task for Volunteer Ministers to respond to. Volunteers safely disposed of meat from a warehouse that was rotting due to lack of refrigeration during the power outage.
Once immediate dangers to housing and infrastructure were addressed, Volunteer Ministers went door to door, meeting with residents and responding to their needs.
But they were concerned about more than just physical problems. They helped with another aspect of the disaster that could be even more devastating and long-lasting. In the state of shock and despair that disasters cause, it can be nearly impossible for people to overcome the extraordinary hardships they face and get their lives back on track. Volunteer Ministers therefore offer Scientology Assist, a technique developed by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard to address the emotional and spiritual factors of stress and trauma.
Their help was not ignored.
“You can say a lot of great things about your work, but you don’t have to, because the work you’ve done speaks for you,” said one Jessenik official. He told the Volunteer Ministers that the people of Jesenik called them “yellow angels” and would remember their kindness and help.
