News & Stories

Flash Flooding in Southern Russia Leaves 40 Alliance Families Homeless

July 10, 2012

Hours of torrential rains resulted in major flash flooding across the western portion of Russia’s southern Krasnodar region during the early hours of July 7.

More than 170 people have died and several hundred have sought treatment for injuries, but these numbers are expected to rise. Tens of thousands have suffered damage to homes and property.

Churches that are members of the Evangelical Christian Missionary Union (ECMU)—the primary Alliance national church partner in Russia—are located in the three cities most severely affected: Krymsk, Gelendzhik, and the coastal port of Novorossiysk.

Alliance workers in these areas, and leaders within the ECMU, report that no members of their congregations were killed. However, more than 40 families attending ECMU churches have been left homeless. In most cases, the contents of flooded houses are unsalvageable. Because homeowner’s insurance is a luxury in Russia’s economy, the losses will be great.

Alliance Churches Respond

Members from ECMU congregations in and around the flood-affected area, along with C&MA international workers, are participating in cleanup.

Coordinated relief efforts this week are focused on providing for the most basic needs of flood victims—bottled water, toiletries, medical supplies, blankets, roll-up mattresses, small generators, clothing, and food supplies.  Teams continue to remove water and mud from homes.

Needs anticipated beyond the first week include:

• Provision of basic cooking appliances for homes;
• Repair of water damage; and
• Home reconstruction.  (The ECMU anticipates organizing work teams to do the reconstruction.)

CAMA, a partner agency of the C&MA, has earmarked $10,000 for initial relief efforts. More funds may be released as the crisis unfolds.

In 1993 the U.S. Alliance commissioned international workers to help plant churches in Russia. Nearly 20 years later, the U.S. Alliance family has the privilege of helping our sister churches in southern Krasnodar overcome this flooding crisis.