Telephone:1-800-841-1235
Web: http://gbgm-umc.org/UMCOR-Hotline/
June 14, 2002: Three towns in the northwest portion of Minnesota have suffered from severe flooding. The waters are beginning to recede in Ada and Warroad, and house to house assessments have begun. In Roseau, the water is beginning to level off. Uncertain of current and future rainfall amounts, we do not know how soon the floodwaters will recede. Many highways remain closed. In Warroad, 85 - 95 % of the residences are affected; in Roseau, 95% of the homes and 99% of the businesses are affected. The Methodist church and parsonage in Roseau have also had to be evacuated. The Conference Disaster Response Team indicate that sandbagging, relocation of families, and meal service are being provided by the communities involved. The Conference Disaster Response team anticipates being on the scene with the Disaster Response Trailer when it is appropriate. Volunteers for cleanup will be needed after the waters recede.
As of June 13th, there have been 10 fire declarations in the state of Colorado with another 9 possibly coming up. Southern Utah's 19 of 28 counties have been declared areas of drought as well as Wyoming. Some of these fires are contained but several others continue to burn out of control. It is possible that in some areas the fires will burn for three months or longer. The conference disaster response coordinator reported that until everyone has had a chance to assess the damage and its impact, recovery efforts cannot begin. The conference has been involved in the creation of response and recovery committees in the Iron Mountain and Coal Seam fire areas. To assist in response to the Minnesota floods or the Rocky Mountain fires, please give to Domestic Disaster Response Advance #901670-1.
The case management aspect of the Love in the Midst of Tragedy response in New York City is in place and functioning. Through the end of June, UMCOR has provided over $20,000 to individuals and families impacted by the September 11 tragedy. In addition 4 satellite offices have been established in an attempt to reach people who have been reluctant or unable to request assistance. A culturally diverse case management staff has been assembled to target assistance to minority communities. Case management provides victims with a knowledgeable, compassionate helper who will work with the individual or family to identify and access the resources needed for a full recovery.
Four days of torrential rains have caused widespread flooding in several areas of Chile, killing at least nine people and forcing thousands of people from their homes. UMCOR sent $5,000 to the Methodist Church of Chile to assist in response to this crisis.
About 8,000 people have been forced from their homes, around Managua, and along Nicaragua's Pacific coast. Bridges have been destroyed and roads washed away in the storms which are also affecting neighboring Honduras. Some blame the weather on Hurricane Alma, the first storm of the eastern Pacific season. UMCOR has given a $10,000 grant to the Association Concilio Nacion of Nicaragua to support the disaster response and recovery. Your gifts to International Disaster Response Advance #982450-8 will continue to be needed for the relief work and recovery in Nicaragua and Chile.
Gifts may be made through local United Methodist churches, or by calling 1-800-554-8583. Credit card donations are accepted. You can also make a a secure online gift at http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ .
UMCOR is providing emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about current UMCOR ministries, please visit the website: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ .
And, please pray for those who are hungry, displaced, sick or in poverty because of these and other natural and human-made disasters, and for the workers who minister to them.