Update on UMCOR's Response to the Turkey Earthquake

UMCOR continues to respond to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey through ACT (Action by Churches Together, the relief and development arm of the World Council of Churches). ACT member churches have joined with other churches and church bodies to form the Christian Churches in Turkey Steering Committee for Disaster Relief which will oversee the response efforts.

As of this date, the official death toll is over 14,000, approximately 44,000 were injured and as many as 35,000 are still missing in the rubble of collapsed buildings. The earthquake left more than half a million people homeless.

ACT is providing assistance to people in Izmit and in villages above Adapazari. In Izmit, ACT will provide temporary emergency shelter on land provided by the city for 500 families. People will be living in temporary shelters through the winter. Winterized tents from Norway, fitted with heating stoves, will be provided as well as other basic necessities including bedding, furnishings, sanitary facilities, washing facilities, hygiene supplies, utensils, educational assistance for the children and community kitchens. Except for the tents, all materials will be purchased locally to support the local economy.

The situation in the villages and rural areas is critical. The population has doubled in most villages as the bread earners have returned home. People are living in makeshift shelters covered with plastic sheets and canvas that are inadequate protection against the heavy rains. As in Izmit, ACT will provide tents and other basic supplies and facilities.

Please continue your generous gifts to UMCOR Advance #675205-6 "Turkey Earthquake." One hundred percent of each donation will be used in the relief efforts. Give your gift through your local United Methodist Church, or call 1-800-554-8583 to make a credit card donation.

August 31, 1999