Response to Pacific Disasters

Global Ministries responds to the typhoon, tsunamis and a major earthquake which have caused the deaths and devastation in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, American Samoa, Western Samoa, Tonga and Indonesia.

 

Global Ministries, along with One Great Hour of Sharing and Week of Compassion, responds to the typhoon, tsunamis and a major earthquake which have caused the deaths and devastation in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, American Samoa, Western Samoa, Tonga and Indonesia.

Situation Overview

• From September 19-22, Ketsana, a tropical storm which became a typhoon, swept across the northern Philippines, central Vietnam and Cambodia causing major flooding.  Heavy rains continue to fall throughout the region
• On September 23, a magnitude 8.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Samoa resulting in several devastating tsunamis battering American Samoa, Western Samoa and Tonga
• On September 24 and 25 two strong earthquakes hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra, toppling apartment buildings and at least two hospitals.
• The death toll across the region has topped 1,500 and is expected to rise significantly.

Response

Global Ministries, along with One Great Hour of Sharing, Week of Compassion, and UCC and Disciples churches have been in contact with church partners across the region expressing sympathy, compassion and offering support.  Emergency funds are being sent to partners to assist with immediate relief efforts.

Our partners, including Church World Service and other members of Action by Churches Together, Intl. are conducting damage assessments, providing immediate relief of food, water and shelter and making plans for immediate and long term relief, recovery and rehabilitation. 

“To have three major disasters, in the same general area of the world, three days in a row is unprecedented in my experience,” says Susan Sanders, UCC One Great Hour of Sharing Administrator.  “I’m grateful we have such a large, capable network of partners who are able to respond immediately, as well as a compassionate and generous UCC family.”

How to Help

Prayer for the Pacific [PDF] – Pray for the people of the Pacific, their leaders, and emergency and humanitarian aid workers
Donate to UCC’s One Great Hour of Sharing “Pacific Disaster Fund”
Donate to Disciples’ Week of Compassion

News and Links

Prayer for the Pacific [PDF]
Updates from Global Ministries partner, Action by Churches Together (ACT)
Torrential Floods Strike Philippines (9/30/2009)
Earthquake and Tsunamis Strike South Pacific (9/30/2009)