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See also: Hurricane Georges News
UMCOR Hotline, October 2
The UMCOR disaster response team has called in from Puerto Rico to confirm the extent of the damage on that island. The entire island was hit by Hurricane Georges which means that everyone is a victim to some extent. More than 50% of the island remains without electricity and phone service. Estimates are that it will take seven months to fully restore power. Many roads are closed due to mudslides which leave some of the most heavily affected communities inaccessible. It will take 8 months to 3 years to restore the crops that were lost. There will be a long-term need for non-perishable food.
UMCOR's team will be traveling to the Dominican Republic tomorrow to assist with damage assessment and the development of a recovery plan there. The death toll in the Dominican Republic continues to rise. Many people have drowned in floods caused by the hurricane. There is a critical need for pharmaceuticals, food, and baby items. Please do not gather material resources until further information is available. Because there is such a widespread need, UMCOR is still developing plans for gathering and shipping material resources. We will post that information here as soon as it is available.
Other islands and countries that received considerable damage include: Haiti, Cuba, St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, and St. Maarten.
The Florida Conference was well prepared and is in a position to provide immediate assistance to victims in the Florida Keys. The Mississippi Conference has established a disaster response headquarters, and the Alabama/West Florida Conference has an experienced disaster response team that is ready to respond when the waters have receded. The disaster response team in Louisiana has been activated as well. These conferences are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Georges and it is too early for assessment reports to be made.
Because of the overwhelming need, UMCOR is in the process of requesting a churchwide appeal. Millions of dollars will be required to respond to the millions of victims of this storm throughout the Caribbean and the United States. Please give generously to Hurricanes '98, Advance #982515-0.
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
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| UMCOR Hotline Index 1998 | GBGM | UMCOR |