SEATTLE - World Vision is distributing
food, medicine and other emergency aid in Vietnam and Cambodia in response
to the worst floods to hit Southeast Asia in seven decades. Since July,
Mekong River floodwaters have submerged tens of thousands of homes, destroyed
a half million acres of cropland and claimed more than 130 lives. World
Vision's initial response totals $120,000, assisting more than 12,000 families
in the two countries.
"The devastation is overwhelming,"
says World Vision President Richard Stearns, who was in Cambodia earlier
this month. "Thousands of people are without food, water and shelter.
More aid will be needed to help them rebuild their homes and lives."
In Vietnam, World Vision is working with Red Cross to distribute food and household supplies in three districts on the southern tip of the country. The agency is transporting food by boat to families whose homes and land are likely to remain under water for up to two months.
World Vision officials in Cambodia report that floods have hit three World Vision program areas, located north of the capital city, Phnom Penh. All World Vision sponsored children are safe, but in Kandal Takeo province where the agency has established a child health program, 85 percent of the land is covered by floodwater and half of the homes have been destroyed.
World Vision Cambodia has begun the initial phase of relief operations, and is working with the Red Cross and local officials to provide displaced families with food, shelter materials, mosquito nets and cooking utensils. In response to flood-related diseases, World Vision health staff in Kean Svay is distributing medications for acute respiratory infection, diarrhea and malaria. As the water level in some communities rises daily, World Vision is assisting efforts to evacuate families to shelters.
After initial relief needs are met, World Vision will seek funds to help families restore their livelihood. Seeds, livestock and other farm supplies will be needed, as will repairs to roads and other infrastructure.
Contact: Sheryl Watkins (253)
815-2246 (Office) 888-787-3056 (Pager)
Dean Owen (253)815-2103 (Office) 888-734-8938 (Pager)
Copyright 2000 World Vision Inc.