QUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS RESUME

Friday, January 13, A.D. 2006

Helicopters have been able to resume relief flights to earthquake victims in the high mountainous areas of northern Pakistan. Heavy snows, high winds and landslides have hampered relief operations and continue to threaten the survival of as many as 400,000 who remain homeless in the higher elevation. Altogether, more than 2 million people are living in tents and makeshift shelters in the aftermath of the October 8th quake.

Despite the severe winter weather, Church World Service continues to move ahead with relief activities. CWS's latest efforts include distributing kerosene heaters in its Shohal Najaf tent village, along with providing two additional blankets to each person in each family in the camp. CWS has also strengthened its psychosocial program staff to assist the growing number of people dealing with stress and trauma following the quake.

In India, Action by Churches Together partner, Churches Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), has been able to complete the initial phase of its relief response of providing blankets, woolen clothes, tarps, and utensils to families in some of the most remote and vulnerable quake-stricken villages. However, heavy snows have forced CASA to halt some relief operations and request an extension of additional activities under the current ACT appeal.

Week of Compassion continues to work to fulfill a goal of providing $300,000 toward the revised CWS/ACT appeal of $17.8 million. Disciples, through WOC, have now provided $226,000 for earthquake relief and recovery. WOC is deeply grateful for the scores of designated gifts that are enabling us to reach this goal. Gifts can be made online at www.weekofcompassion.org or sent to WOC, P.O Box 1986, Indpls, IN 46206.

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For congregations using the new WOC interactive map/poster, disaster responses thus far in 2006 include wildfires in Oklahoma, floods in California, hurricane recovery in Mississippi and Texas, tsunami recovery in India, flood relief in Malawi, and emergency refugee assistance in Uganda. Development project support has been made in Armenia, Cambodia and Bosnia. Congregations may also want to use the 2005 Response Fund report that is posted on our website for a complete picture of responses in '05. To receive a complimentary copy of the new map/poster for your congregation, please contact Elaine at ecleveland@woc.disciples.org or 317.713.2442.

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