MCC appeals for help for disaster victims
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Updated: October 07, 2009 2:55 PM
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is appealing for funds to assist people in Asia whose homes and lives were devastated by recent earthquakes and flooding.
Two earthquakes struck the island of Sumatra in Indonesia – the first Sept. 30, and the second on Oct. 1.
The quakes caused buildings to collapse and trapped thousands under rubble.
The United Nations has reported at least 1,100 people have died, and that count is expected to rise.
Earlier the same week, Typhoon Ketsana wreaked havoc elsewhere in Southeast Asia, as heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding and mudslides.
Hundreds of people have died, and at least 500,000 were displaced.
Ketsana prompted the worst flooding in the northern Philippines in 40 years when it struck Sept. 26, and then continued its destructive path across Southeast Asia.
It battered central Vietnam with powerful winds and heavy rain, and then weakened as it moved into Cambodia and Laos.
“Funds will be used to provide immediate shelter, food and other emergency supplies to people in Indonesia and the Philippines and to meet longer-term recovery needs in Vietnam,” said Phil Schafran, director of resource development and communication for MCC BC.
He added that these are countries where MCC has workers or connections with Mennonite congregations.
In Indonesia, the Mennonite Diakonial Service has sent an assessment team to the earthquake area.
MCC anticipates requests for funding to provide emergency shelter and food. Mennonite Diakonial Service is the service arm of the three Mennonite synods in Indonesia.
In the Philippines, MCC is communicating with the Integrated Men-nonite Churches (IMC) to assess the needs.
MCC has not had a national program in the Philippines since 2005.
However, a representative who worked with MCC for 19 years, will return to the country where he served in 2004-2005.
In Vietnam, MCC workers are assessing the need as they communicate with the Social Work Committee of the Vietnam Mennonite Church. MCC anticipates the need for recovery funds to help affected communities rebuild once the initial crisis passes.
MCC is also monitoring the ongoing needs of people in Cambodia and Laos, who also suffered damage from Ketsana.
To donate, call 604 850-6639 or 1-888-622-6337, or on-line at mcc.org/donate.
For updated information visit mcc.org
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