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Passengers deplaning across province, headed for accommodations Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization Oliver Langdon provided an update late Tuesday evening with respect to the passengers who arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador today on flights bound for the United States. Officials of the Emergency Measures Organization and police officials consulted with Immigration Canada in an effort to allow passengers to deplane. Deplaning has now begun in St. John�s, Gander, Stephenville and Goose Bay. Passengers are being registered by the Red Cross and taken to alternate accommodations in various locations within the vicinity of the town in which they landed earlier today. Officials are communicating with airline staff on board the airplanes to explain what assistance is being provided for passengers. Similarly, social workers and counselors are engaged in providing support to the passengers as they are registered and referred to alternate accommodations identified by the Department of Human Resources and Employment. Health professionals from the regional health boards are also communicating with passengers to provide assistance to those with health conditions requiring medication or other treatment. "A large of number of officials from various government and non-governmental agencies are working diligently to secure tens of thousands of beds throughout the province," said Minister Langdon. "Contact has been made with the Emergency Services Division of Health Canada to secure additional resources in this regard." He also said the province will access emergency hospital stock supplies from Health Canada�s three main stockpile locations around the province. Minister Langdon expressed his deep concern and sympathy for the families affected by the tragedy in the United States today, noting that a telephone number has been set up by Transport Canada for Canadians worried about their families. This number is 1-800-387-3124. He also extended appreciation to the many groups in the province who have come together in a professional manner and spirit of team work to provide assistance to the passengers. The province estimates in excess of 15,000 people landed in the province today. Media contact: Sean Kelly, Communications, (709) 729-1983. 2001 09 11 10:30 p.m. |
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