Typhoon Durian Strikes the Philippines and Vietnam

Thursday, December 7, A.D. 2006

While the recent 2006 hurricane season in the U.S. was unexpectedly and unusually benign, such has not been the case with the western Pacific typhoon season. 2006 has been a very active and destructive year. The Philippines and now Vietnam are reeling from the punishing assault of Typhoon Durian. The latest report from the Philippines puts the death total at 526 with more than 700 people missing and presumed dead. More than 300,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. In Vietnam at least 50 people were killed and nearly 20,000 homes damaged or destroyed.

The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), a member of Action by Churches Together (ACT) and long-time partner of Church World Service, has begun relief operations in some of the most affected and isolated areas. ACT has sent an emergency grant from its Rapid Response Fund and is working with the NCCP to prepare an appeal to ACT members. Week of Compassion is gathering resources to respond to the appeal on behalf of the Disciples. The Church World Service Vietnam office is working with local partners to assist some of the more vulnerable families affected, and WOC will respond if CWS requests funds from its members.

Meanwhile, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), long-time Disciples local church partner, reports that 21 of its churches have been damaged or destroyed and more than 4,000 of its families affected. The UCCP has begun relief efforts, and WOC has sent an emergency grant through Global Ministries East Asia and Pacific Office to support their efforts.

Because of its geography and high rate of poverty, the Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. It is also a country to which Disciples have had important and historic ties. WOC will continue to monitor the situation closely and will respond to requests from Disciples and ecumenical church partners.

Grateful for Gifts

As we approach the Christmas season and the end of the year, Week of Compassion is grateful for the many gifts coming into the office. They are especially timely as we work to provide significant support for appeals from partners in Darfur and southern Lebanon and now in response to Typhoon Durian. Gifts can be sent to Week Of Compassion, attn: Elaine Cleveland, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206, or made online at www.weekofcompassion.org. Advent blessings.

Map for Congregations

Click here for the latest additions to the WOC interactive map/poster. For a complimentary copy of the WOC map/poster for your congregation, contact Elaine Cleveland at 317.713.2442 or ecleveland@woc.disciples.org.