Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency assistance to survivors of deadly floods in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Nearly 2,000 people are feared dead after heavy rains swept through destroying towns along the border between both countries.
Over 550 people are confirmed dead in Haiti. Houses and other structures remain underwater in the cities of Mapou and Fond Verrettes, located southeast of Haiti's capital. At least 440 bodies have been recovered in the Dominican Republic in areas near the border city of Jimani. More than 15,000 people are homeless and hundreds remain missing.
"I visited Gorman (near the Dominican border) where the river has left its bank and destroyed surrounding plantations for miles. It's hard for people there to survive since they are homeless and mud and water are everywhere," reported Burton Joseph, program officer for the Diocese of Haiti.
The Rt. Rev. Julio Holguin, Bishop of the Diocese of the Dominican Republic, reported on the crisis and outreach to victims. "This is a time for solidarity ? when brothers and sisters are in need, our hands must provide material and spiritual support," said Bishop Holguin. "We need to purchase food and medicine as well as blankets, sheets, and clothing which many families lost in the flooding."
On behalf of the Episcopal Church, Episcopal Relief and Development has advanced emergency funds to the Diocese of the Dominican Republic for food, medicine, and materials for temporary shelter. ERD is working with the Diocese of Haiti to respond to the floods and provide critical supplies to survivors in the region. ERD will continue to work in both countries to provide long-term development assistance following this disaster.
Episcopal Relief and Development has a bulletin insert available on the recent devastating floods in Haitiand the Dominican Republic. It is located at http://www.er-d.org/anewpubs.htm
To assist people affected by the devastating floods in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, donate to the Caribbean Floods Fund at http://www.er-d.org/, or call (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o Caribbean Floods Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
Episcopal Relief and Development saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of disaster. When the immediate crisis is over, we rebuild devastated communities and offer long-term solutions in the areas of food security, health care, and HIV/AIDS.
