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July 6, 2001
Yesterday, 12 days after an 8.1-magnitude earthquake rocked southern Peru, one of medium intensity struck the same region. Measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the temblor rattled already frayed nerves and toppled hundreds of previously damaged buildings. UMCOR has sent an emergency grant to the Methodist Church of Peru, which is preparing food parcels of rice, sugar, noodles, oil, salt, and dried vegetables. The Methodist youth are helping to pack and transport the bags to delivery points coordinated by the Red Cross. Another crucial need is funds to help with water system repair. To join in this response, please give to UMCOR's International Disaster Response, Advance #982450-1.
Last month Tropical Storm Allison caused severe flood damage which will require long term recovery work in the areas of Houston, Texas; Louisiana; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the near future, volunteers will be needed to help with repairs and rebuilding. For more information, please call the Volunteer Line at (800) 918-3100. In Siren, Wisconsin, UMCOR personnel are assessing the destruction caused by the June 18 tornado. Considerable financial resources will be needed to assist people as they recover from these two devastating storms. Please give to UMCOR's Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670.
The UMCOR Depot needs to replenish its supply of flood buckets. For assembly and shipping instructions, call the Depot at (800) 814-8765 or visit UMCOR's Emergency Kits web page.
Our ecumenical partners in Eritrea inform us that, although fighting has stopped in that country, famine is still a real and present danger. More than 300,000 persons, mostly women and children, remain in makeshift camps and host communities. Those who have returned to their homes have found massive destruction. All are in need of the basics: food, medicine, temporary shelter, bedding, and utensils. A generous response to Advance #101250, "Africa Famine Relief," will enable UMCOR to assist in this disaster.
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 at this moment. To find out more about current UMCOR ministries, please visit http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/.
Please pray for those who suffer from hunger, poverty, natural and human-made disasters.
