Emergencies

Emergency Update

Haiti

The death toll from the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake which struck Haiti on 12 January 2010 is now estimated to have reached 230,000 (BBC) making it a disaster of the same magnitude as the Asian tsunami. It is estimated that one in three Haitians were affected by the disaster, about three million people. The main focus now is on maintaining order and organising aid. Many of the homeless are living in overcrowded makeshift camps.

ABM is sending out emergency funds to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) who are delivering aid to the survivors and working closely with in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti. They are also assisting the neighbouring Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic with Haitian refugees who have fled their country.

ERD is continuing to supply much needed food and medical aid, as well as providing training for emergency water purification systems which will be distributed to rural communities. Fuel and vehicles are also being supplied to transport relief supplies to the many diocesan camps set up for the survivors. They are also planning how to help Haitians rebuild.

Chile

On 27 Feb 2010, an 8.8-magnitude quake hit Chile and at least 795 people have now been confirmed dead (CNN). Concepcion, the city closest to the epicenter of the earthquake, was hardest hit with the capital of Santiago also badly affected. Several strong aftershocks followed as well as a smaller tsunami across the Pacific.

Many of the survivors are without food, water and electricity. Local police are attempting to control looting and lawlessness which is occurring in many areas.

ABM is able to send any donations to Chile through the ACT Alliance, working in partnership with local ACT member FASIC (Fundacion de Ayuda Social de las Iglesias Cristianas – foundation of social aid of Christian churches) and other local partners. ACT is currently assessing the needs for emergency relief.

Indonesia

The earthquake which devastated Indonesia’s West Sumatra province on 30 September 2009 killed 1,117 people, and left 200,000 houses uninhabitable, and 968 schools and 26 health centers seriously damaged (ACT).

Funds raised by ABM were donated to ACT International who have been involved in the rehabilitation process with its members providing transitional shelters for the homeless; non-food items such as tarpaulins, mosquito nets and hygiene kits; replacing equipment for some health centres; and school resources.

The Philippines

The Philippines experienced its worst flooding in decades after being hit by a series of cyclones over the months of September and October 2009. Tens of thousands of people were left homeless, with an estimated human death toll of more than 920. According to EM-DAT (the International Disaster Database), over 4 million people were affected.

Red Cross reported at the end of December 2009 that many were still homeless, with families living at evacuation centres and in tents. Floodwaters have subsided but a lot of places remain under water and damaged, which is not surprising given that about 80 percent of the capital Manila was submerged. A major health concern was the outbreak of a bacterial infection, Leptospirosis, which caused deaths and large numbers of infections due to the stagnant flood water (IRIN).

Infrastructure and livelihoods are being rebuilt but it will take time due to the extent of the flooding. Major roads were affected by landslides, and damage to crops and infrastructure was estimated at nearly 38 billion pesos ($796 million) with more than 180,000 tonnes of paddy rice destroyed (Reuters).

Donations were collected by ABM and ACT for Peace on behalf of ACT International and given to the National Council of Churches in the Philippines for immediate relief aid.

Samoa

The tsunami which struck Samoa on the 29 September last year left 146 dead, many who were women, children and elderly. An estimated 32,000 people were made homeless with a total of 20 villages destroyed (ACT).

ABM collected donations on behalf of Uniting World , our partner in Samoa, who have since provided cooking utensils, household items and assistance with education costs, and trauma counseling. In the long-term, they will be rebuilding homes, community centres and restoring livelihoods.

Helping our Church Partners to Prepare for Emergencies

Many communities have been affected by natural disasters over the past six months. You can show your support by praying for our brothers and sisters in these countries, and by donating to our emergency programs.

Donating to ABM’s Disaster Risk Reduction Project and Global Rapid Response Fund helps get assistance to those who need it most.

Resource for Prayer: A Short litany for use following the Asia-Pacific Natural Disasters.

Zimbabwe

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have launched a Communion-wide appeal to support the people of Zimbabwe.
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Pray for

• All those touched by the recent tragedies as they mourn and rebuild.
• Relief workers who are striving to bring physical needs, security and hope to struggling families.
• International leaders who are considering their cooperative response to challenges of climate change.