Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing initial emergency assistance to vulnerable children and families following the recent earthquake and tsunamis in South Asia. So far, more than 80,000 people are reported dead in 11 countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India.
"People are homeless, left destitute and need to be fed, clothed, comforted, counseled, and also moved from polluted areas," said Dr. Pauline Sathiamurthy, General Secretary of the Church of South India. "The Church is now engaged in round the clock work feeding adults, providing milk and biscuits for babies and children, transporting tankers with clean, drinkable water to prevent waterborne diseases, and providing the elderly and very young with blankets," said Sathiamurthy.
ERD is providing $50,000 in initial emergency assistance each to the Diocese of Colombo, Church of South India, and Church of North India to supply immediate humanitarian needs to people in Sri Lanka and India. ERD is working in partnership with Church World Service to provide an additional $100,000 for shelter, medicines, and personal hygiene products.
"We are struggling to meet the massive needs in the diocese but Sri Lankans are responding amazingly well," said Bishop Duleep de Chickera of the Diocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka. "People of all faiths are working together to respond to this unprecedented challenge."
ERD will continue working with communities to assess ongoing needs and provide long-term development assistance following the disaster.
Please continue to pray for those suffering in affected areas.
To support families devastated by the tsunamis, donate to the South Asia Relief Fund at www.er-d.org or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, South Asia Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
