Six members of Bermuda's Salvation Army are today flying out to Galveston, Texas, to help deal with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

For the next two weeks, the team will be manning canteens set up for families whose homes have been wrecked by the storm and for those providing aid. Ike flattened houses, obliterated entire towns and claimed at least 33 lives in Texas, and is blamed for at least 68 deaths across the States.

Major Betty Ann Lewis, Buddy Hollis, Leanne Hollis, Lyn Gordon, Arnold Daniels, and Mark Phillips all agreed to fly out at a moment's notice and leave L.F. Wade International Airport on Continental Airlines this afternoon.

All members of the team have their Food Safe Certification as well as training in rescue and relief efforts. Divisional Commander Major Doug Lewis said: "All of the team were part of the relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina, or other hurricane situations, and so have experience in providing help and comfort.

"The team goes motivated by the motto of 'Heart to God — Hand to Man' and so are able to offer help and assistance to the total person."