Madagascar Cyclone Affects Lutherans

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- A cyclone that tore through southern Madagascar Jan. 20-26 killed more than 200 people, destroyed hundreds of buildings and damaged crops throughout the southern region. "In Vangaindrano 482 Lutheran churches were destroyed or heavily damaged, including all eight Lutheran schools," according to the Division for Global Mission, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). A few days later a tropical storm caused further destruction in the African island's northwestern area.
The ELCA's International Disaster Response Fund has sent $50,000 to the Lutheran World Federation for "aid to partner churches and agencies working on the ground," said Belletech Deressa, director for development in the Division for Global Mission. The ELCA has sent a "Disaster-gram" to its 11,000 congregations urging special contributions to aid the relief effort in Madagascar, where there are 1.5 million Lutherans.
The Rev. H. George Anderson, ELCA presiding bishop, said, "For more than 100 years the ELCA has walked in fellowship and mission with the Lutherans in Madagascar. It is with great concern and compassion that we extend words of comfort and encouragement to them at this time of great need."
Anderson said, "As the ELCA churchwide staff gathered for worship this morning, we remembered the Malagasy people in our prayers. We commit ourselves to continue in prayer and ongoing support during this time of grieving and healing, and during the months of rebuilding that lie ahead."
According to Deressa 70 percent of all crops in the southern region were destroyed, 80 to 95 percent of all buildings were destroyed or damaged and more than 100,000 people are homeless. The Malagasy Lutheran Church reports 516 churches destroyed or heavily damaged. In one area 59 out of 70 parsonages were destroyed. Lutheran schools and seminary buildings are damaged, along with the hospital at Ankaramalaza.
Action by Churches Together (ACT) reported serious damage in Vangaindrano, Farafangana, Vondrozo, Vohipeno, Manakara and Midongy. A hospital, 80 percent of the houses and even a prison were destroyed by the force of the storm, according to ACT. Rivers burst their banks, normal communication systems were lost and boats which could have been used in the rescue efforts were swept out to sea, ACT reported.
ACT is a worldwide network of churches, including the Lutheran World Federation, meeting human need through coordinated emergency response. The LWF is a worldwide communion of 122 member churches, including the ELCA.
According to ACT the most immediate need is for shelter and blankets, cups, plates and cooking utensils, first aid materials, treatment for contaminated water, food such as rice and corn, and construction materials for the 30,000 to 60,000 people affected. The disaster zone is known for production of coffee, bananas, oranges and other fruit, plus corn, the region's staple food, which is normally ready for harvest in February.
The Rev. R. Kevin Mohr, an ELCA missionary, said, "There is real concern over the spread of disease, because most fresh water supply systems have been polluted or destroyed. "Virtually all crops and fruit trees have been destroyed. Most rice fields are still submerged. The next rice crop must be planted before the middle of March, otherwise the farmers will have to wait until August or September."
Mohr said, "The most urgent needs immediately are for seed, fertilizer, food, medical aid and surveillance. While many buildings and homes have been damaged or destroyed, the vast majority of personal residences are simple structures, made of local materials, that can be rebuilt once the waters have receded." Mohr heads up the ELCA mission operation from Antananarivo.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html