CHICAGO (ELCA) – With monsoon rains expected to significantly impact earthquake recovery operations in Nepal, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) continues to work with partners there to address the immediate needs of communities rendered vulnerable to torrential rains, landslides and more.
"The monsoon brings additional complications for humanitarian workers to provide aid assistance to earthquake (survivors). In my opinion, the monsoon is a vital test for our partners in Nepal, particularly for those who have been working in remote affected areas," said Vitaly Vorona, program director for Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), ELCA Global Mission.
"At present, ELCA partners are working hard to adjust their relief operations to ensure that the most urgent needs like shelter and food are available through the rainy season," said Vorona, adding that water and sanitation and psychosocial support are also priorities.
As of June 3, the government of Nepal confirmed that 2.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Of that, about 864,000 people are in "hard to reach" areas.
"Nepal's mountainous terrain has slowed down distribution efforts. Helicopters are being used to transport supplies to villages that have been cut off from road access due to damage and landslides, and even elite climbers are going out to deliver supplies to areas that are only accessible by foot," he said.
LDR is working with "our three trusted partners. We know that this response will last much longer than this initial relief process, and we will continue to stay in Nepal to assist with the long-term rebuilding and rehabilitation needs," Vorona said. "My thoughts and prayers are with the (survivors) of this disaster during this monsoon season."
Through LDR, ELCA members have contributed funds to support the relief and recovery efforts of The Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran World Relief, and United Mission to Nepal. The Lutheran World Federation is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. The ELCA is the only U.S. member church of the communion.
The funds (sent to ACT Alliance and allocated to The Lutheran World Federation and Lutheran World Relief) are used to:
+ Support the communion and ACT Alliance's distribution of ready-to-eat food, hygiene kits, blankets and tarps to 13,718 households in 27 towns and villages in Nepal. The Lutheran World Federation is the lead agency for ACT Alliance, and it is working directly with the Nepalese government.
+ Support Lutheran World Relief and ACT Alliance's effort to reach more than 20,000 people (4,850 households) affected by the earthquake with food and shelter materials. Supplies provide a family of five with food for 15 days.
+ Support United Mission to Nepal's effort to oversee health care services and the distribution of food, kitchen utensils, tarps and blankets. United Mission to Nepal has nearly achieved 100 percent of its targeted distributions in seven village development communities in Nepal's Dhading district. It has completed community-based health trainings on acute malnutrition with health workers in three village development communities in Dhading, and it continues to explore possibilities to help plant seeds for rice and vegetables before the monsoon rains begin in earnest in mid-June.
"It is heartening to see the generosity of prayer and giving pour-out in this time of tragedy. It is especially so since many who have contributed to this response have never been too Nepal. The witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ has always been like this, especially in Nepal," said the Rev. Daniel Rift, director for the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal.
As of June 9, ELCA members have contributed $1.25 million. "Our commitment is (to allocate) this full amount" to support disaster response efforts in Nepal, said Rift.
Rift emphasized that additional support is still needed. "We in the ELCA have been blessed with a wealth of opportunity to aid those who have been hurt or left homeless by the earthquake. While others are challenged to find a way in, we have been with the people of Nepal for decades. Our response is limited, not by lack of opportunity, but only by the funds being made available."
Information about LDR, including ways to continue this response through gifts, is available at www.ELCA.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
