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August 30, 2002: While the eastern part of India is suffering from the floods which have also caused massive destruction in Bangladesh and Nepal, most of India is suffering from the lack of rain. Until the end of July there was virtually no rain in most of the country. The scant rainfall in August has not been enough to help the standing crops survive. UMCOR's partner Christian Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) has issued an appeal through Action for Churches Together (ACT) for humanitarian aid to those who are caught in the resulting famine. Gifts to International Disaster Response Advance #982450-8 will help people in India who have no crops because of drought and flooding as well as flood victims in Bangladesh, China, and Nepal.
In the United States, money has been sent to help persons near Ogalalla, Nebraska, whose homes were severely damaged or swept away by a freakish storm and flash flood in July. While the waters washed out bridges on I-80, the busiest cross-country route, the affected area was too small to warrant help through a government disaster declaration. In response to the Arizona fires, UMCOR is training volunteeers in case management for work with families who have lost their homes and belongings. Fifty cases will be covered in the Heber and Overgaard areas.
UMCOR staff and volunteers continue to monitor flooding on the East Coast, currently especially in North Carolina. A specific appeal will be issued as the needs become more clear. Gifts to support these U.S. disaster situations should be sent to Domestic Disaster Response Advance #901670-1 The initial $10,000 grant and volunteers continue to support victims of Texas floods through the Rio Grande and South West Texas Conferences. Please give to Advance #901315-0 "Texas Floods."
Please continue to support the Church Wide Appeal for the Southern Africa Famine Advance #101250-4. Gifts will not only help meet immediate food needs but also long-term recovery for those facing starvation throughout Southern Africa.
Gifts may be made through local United Methodist churches, or by calling 1-800-554-8583. Credit card donations are accepted. (Read more about how you can help UMCOR's emergency responses.)
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.
