Extracted from UMCOR Hotline 31 Jan
2003
The death toll from severely cold weather
continues to rise across South Asia, where winters are short and mild and
millions of poor people live in flimsy unheated shelters. Since mid-December,
Bangladesh, Northern India and Nepal have been hit by a cold spell accompanied
by dense fog that has caused the deaths of at least 1,800 people, according
to local media reports. India has recorded the highest numbers of fatalities.
Members of Action by Churches Together (ACT) International are distributing
blankets, wrappers, and warm children's clothing. Please reach out to people
around the world who suffer from disasters like this by giving to UMCOR's
International Disaster Response Advance #982450-8.
On January 21, a strong earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale shook western and central Mexico. The most affected states were Colima and Jalisco, but 11 others suffered some consequences and damages. Colima has been vulnerable to natural disasters. In the past, it has struck by a tsunami (1932) and earthquakes (1959, 1973, 1995). This year's quake was the strongest in 40 years. At least 29 people have died, 300 were injured, and 30,000 are homeless. UMCOR's ecumenical partner, Church World Service is on the scene, assessing the damage and looking at specific needs so the church may respond appropriately. Please give to the International Disaster Response Advance #982450-8 to make it possible to respond to our neighbors in Mexico and to provide for response in other areas of the world as well.
UMCOR is providing emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR ministries and to make a secure online gift, please visit the website: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/. Gifts may also be made through local United Methodist churches; sending financial contributions to UMCOR, 475 Riverside Dr., Room 330, New York, NY 10115; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted.