CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE OFFICE
34 Denominations & Communions Working Together to Meet Human Needs
CWS/ACT APPEAL: CONGO FLOODING (#976309)
(In support of ACT Appeal # AFDC81)
FEB. 5, 1998
SITUATION: The worst flooding of the
past 35 years has affected large areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo,
formerly Zaire. The flooding follows unusually heavy rainfall in the vast
Congo River basin since December and is expected to continue through April.
The flooding is affecting some 7 million persons living in cities, villages
and towns along the Congo River or its tributaries. Many of the affected
towns and villages are only accessible by light aircraft or by boat.
Homes and villages are being inundated
by the rising flood waters, and widespread outbreaks of cholera, malaria
and other infectious diseases are now common. More than 300 people are
believed to have died from cholera and other diseases. Little, if any,
external assistance is available in remote regions. Traditionally, the
established church and community structures are the only channel available
for limited assistance to affected populations.
RESPONSE: Action by Churches Together
(ACT) International has issued a $200,000 appeal (Congo Flood Emergency
Appeal, # AFDC81) to support efforts by ACT members and CWS partners Eglise
Du Christ Au Congo (Church of Christ of the Congo) and Eglise Methodiste-Unie
Au Congo (United Methodist Church of the Congo). The Congo churches have
appealed to ACT for emergency funding to provide short-term emergency relief
supplies such as medicines and food to flooding victims in the Kisangani
and North Katanga provinces and in other affected regions.
The ECC plans to provide medical assistance
to six community health clinics in the areas surrounding Kisangani. EMUC
plans to provide medical and food aid to community health clinics, hospitals
and community-based church distribution centers throughout a large area
of the North Katanga region.
Church World Service is supporting the
ACT appeal to assist the two Congo church partners. CWS will channel funds
to ACT. Please send contributions to CWS/ERO in New York and designate
to CWS/ACT Appeal, Congo Flooding (#976309). Those wanting a complete copy
of the ACT appeal should contact the CWS Emergency Response Office.
Call the CWS HOTLINE for updates: (800)
456-1310.
For further information about disasters
to which Church World Service is responding, contact CWS Emergency Response.
Telephone: (212) 870-3151
E-mail: CWS_DROFFICE.parti@ecunet.org
After-hours emergency pager: (800) 780-0853
Internet Web Site: http://www.ncccusa.org/CWS/emre