ELCA assesses needs in response to flooding in Colorado, New Mexico

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Following a record-breaking rainfall September
2013 that produced flooding in 15 Colorado counties, the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its partner affiliates are working
to assess the immediate and long-term needs of people and communities
affected.
According to reports, at least 6 people have died and more than 700
hundred people are unaccounted for primarily in Boulder and Larimer
counties.
In a report from James Horan of Lutheran Family Services Rocky
Mountains -- an affiliate of Lutheran Disaster Response, the disaster
response ministry of the ELCA -- nearly 12,000 residents have evacuated
with “many evacuation orders still standing or new orders issued or
reissued,” he said.
The flood affected a 4,500 square mile area. While a “major disaster
declaration was made for Adams, Boulder, Larimer (Fort Collins) and Weld
(Greeley) counties,” said Horan, “eleven additional countries are
significally affected.” He said Colorado state officials have requested
that the federal declaration be expanded to include these additional
counties.
As immediate and long-term needs continue to be assessed, Lutheran
Disaster Response and its partners will work to provide assistance to
flood-affected communities.
The property of Atonement Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in
Boulder, Colo., sustained extensive damage to the sanctuary, which will
require the removal of pews, flooring and parts of the ceiling.
Even in the midst of their own situation, members are showing the
community that “the church is there for them,” said the Rev. Chad
Kohlmeyer, pastor of Atonement. He said nearly 40 members of Atonement
have been working with residents to help with water mitigation.
“I am so amazed and impressed by the members of all ages who have
rallied around our community. The spirit and attitude in our church has
been so uplifting,” said Kohlmeyer.
“Beyond the sheer destruction caused by the floodwaters, several
wastewater systems and treatment plants were compromised leading to
serious concerns about contamination, not only for residents, but also
agricultural land that was inundated,” reported Horan. He said it is
estimated that 60,000 cattle are stranded.
Horan also reported that some major state highway bridges are
completely destroyed, which may produce lengthy detours for motorists and
will cause significant economic disruptions.
In New Mexico, the flooding has impacted most of the state, but no
deaths have been reported and fewer than 100 homes have been damaged.
The Rev. Daniel Rift, director of the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster
Appeal, has invited prayers for the people of Colorado and other areas
impacted by the storms. Financial gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response
will be used (100 percent) to help disaster survivors clean-up, rebuild
and recover, he said.
Information is available at https://community.ELCA.org/page.aspx?pid=537 and worship materials at http://www.ELCA.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Congregational-Resources.aspx.
Lutheran Disaster Response provides assistance to survivors of
natural disasters and humanitarian crises throughout the world. This
support is carried out, both domestically and internationally, in
coordination with local affiliates -- social ministry organizations,
agencies, partners and international companion churches -- located in the
disaster-affected communities.