October 1, 2009
The Alliance is assisting survivors of two natural disasters that struck the Pacific rim this week. On September 30, 2009, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 shook Indonesia at 5.16 p.m. local time. The epicenter was 53 km north of Padang, and the quake produced a tsunami that has flooded sections of Sumatra. Another strong earthquake hit Indonesia early October 1. “All C&MA personnel are fine,” says an Alliance worker. However, at least 1,100 people have died as a result of both quakes, and hundreds more are believed to be injured, reports CNN.
In Padang alone, the death toll has exceeded 500, with more deaths expected. As many as 1,100 homes have been destroyed. Rains continue to hamper rescue efforts, and roads and bridges from the south suffered damage, making land access to the city of 900,000 hazardous and difficult. Communication is poor, as phone lines and wireless towers are down. “Survivors are in need of clean water, food, and medical supplies,” says an Alliance spokesperson.
CAMA (Compassion and Mercy Associates, the relief arm of The Alliance) has been in contact with national church leadership and TALI, an Indonesian relief agency. A team is being coordinated to fly directly to the earthquake affected area to determine what role TALI, CAMA, and the C&MA should take in responding to current needs. Continued opportunities to give are available. Make a donation now.
Philippine and Vietnamese Typhoon Relief Under Way
Elsewhere in the region, the Philippines braced for the impact of a super typhoon, Parma, just days after Typhoon Ketsana left hundreds dead and most of Manila under water, reports CNN. The storm, downgraded to a tropical depression on Wednesday, also killed more than 100 Vietnamese. Typhoon Ketsana has affected about 1.4 million people and damaged or submerged more than 350,000 houses.
CAMA has responded to the devastating flooding in Manila with a $5,000 donation to the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP). This will be used to assist the communities in which Alliance churches are located. Continued opportunities to give are avaialable. Make a donation now.
In Vietnam, CAMA will be working with PACCOM, a government agency, and the Tinh Lanh Church, the latter as allowed by the government.
What You Can Do
Pray that those who have been affected by these tragedies will come to know the love of Jesus through the compassion of our workers and their national colleagues. Also, pray for God’s blessing on rescue efforts and for safety and direction for the survey team.
Allow CAMA to be your hands to a hurting world. Join our workers in helping to change the lives of the survivors and introduce them to Jesus, the source of life. Click here to donate.