September 25, 1998

See also: Situation Report from Bishop Juan Vera of Puerto Rico, September 24, 1998

Thank you for calling the United Methodist Committee on Relief Hotline, Friday, September 25, 1998.

Hurricane Georges has left a path of devastation in its wake as it traveled across the Caribbean. At least 250 people have died. Thousands are homeless--100,000 in the Dominican Republic alone. In some areas up to 50 percent of homes have been damaged or destroyed. 80 to 90 percent of the crops have been destroyed in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Georges crossed the entire islands of Puerto Rico, Hispañola and two-thirds of Cuba. Electricity and phone service is out over much of the islands and most people do not have access to water.

Bishop Ferreras in the Dominican Republic is currently touring the country, assessing damage and offering spiritual support. The UMCOR Assessment team will be meeting with him this weekend.

Flooding and mudslides have been the main problem in Haiti. Houses built on the sides of hills have been washed away due to deforestation. The UMCOR staff in Haiti are using an emergency grant to provide food and other essential items.

The Florida Conference has been making emergency preparations. Many churches are serving as Red Cross shelters and more are on stand-by if they are needed.

UMCOR Disaster Response staff are currently on Puerto Rico and will be carrying out assessment on many of the affected islands. In addition to assessing the damage, the team will assist churches in developing a response plan. Recovery from Hurricane Georges will take extensive financial, material, and human resources. Your gifts to UMCOR's Hurricanes '98, Advance #982515-0 are the most effective way to join in the response at this time.

The Western Hemisphere is not alone in experiencing devastating storms. Two typhoons have hit Japan during the past week, and UMCOR has received a request from Bishop Arichea of the Philippines for assistance from a recent typhoon there. Your gifts to UMCOR's International Disaster Response, #982450 will help affected communities recover.

Please remember those who suffer from hunger, poverty, disasters, and war in your prayers.

UMCOR Hotline:
Phone: 1-800-841-1235
Web: http://gbgm-umc.org/UMCOR-Hotline/
E-mail: umcor@gbgm-umc.org