Needs from Cyclone Sidr Larger Than First Thought

Thursday, December 6, A.D. 2007

Members of the global alliance, Action by Churches Together, continue to provide emergency assistance in Bangladesh to more than 35,000 survivors of Cyclone Sidr. The humanitarian crisis from the powerful storm that ripped into the southern part of the country three weeks ago is proving to be much worse than previously thought. Some 2.6 million people are in need of emergency assistance. Nearly 1.5 million homes have been damaged or destroyed, more than 2 million acres of cropland have been devastated, and livestock losses have grown to at least 1.25 million. The official death toll from the storm is now 3,268.

Altogether, nine ACT members, including long-time Disciples and Church World Service partner, Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), are coordinating their efforts to respond with emergency water, food, medicines, shelter and other basic relief items throughout the cyclone-stricken region. On behalf of the Disciples, Week of Compassion has provided an emergency grant to CCDB to support their relief operations and is anticipating receiving a larger appeal from ACT in the coming days for ongoing relief and long-term recovery work of all the ACT partners. Click here to read personal stories of cyclone survivors.

Zimbabwe on the Edge

7000% inflation. It is difficult for most North Americans to imagine such an economic statistic, much less the debilitating impact it would have on the ordinary lives of people or a nationís overall security and stability. Earlier this fall, the official inflation rate in Zimbabwe actually exceeded 7000%. The results: a poverty rate of more than 80%; a massive unemployment rate; dwindling food supplies; a country and a populace literally on the edge.

In the midst of this growing crisis, two Zimbabwean members of Action by Churches Together ñ including long-time Disciples and Church World Service partner, Christian Care ñ are working together to provide immediate food relief to more than 50,000 of some of the poorest and most vulnerable Zimbabweans. In addition, seeds, fertilizers, small livestock and training will be offered to more than 6400 households to revive sustainable farming activities and thus, hope, for some form of long-term food security for those families.

Week of Compassion recently provided a grant of $12,000 to a CWS/ACT appeal in support of Christian Careís activities.

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