PB's Fund Responds to String of Natural Disasters
Episcopal News Service. May 24, 1991 [91128]
The Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief has responded to a string of natural disasters in recent weeks, including earthquake, flood, famine, and destruction from fierce windstorms.
Emergency grants by the PB's Fund include relief funds to aid recovery after a cyclone in Bangladesh, April 30, that killed at least 150,000 people; an earthquake in Costa Rica and Panama, April 22, that left more than 100 people dead and several Episcopal churches destroyed; and a deadly tornado in Kansas. The fund is also addressing the continuing plight of famine victims in Ethiopia and the Sudan.
Several Episcopalians were among the Panamanians who died in a major earthquake, which measured 7.5 on the Richter scale, that destroyed bridges and isolated many villages. Five Episcopal churches were destroyed or severely damaged, and hundreds of homes were demolished.
"Conditions in both countries are still tragic," said Bill Caradine of the fund, on his return from a trip to Central America. "Although people are beginning to clean up from the destruction, the long-term needs -- like adequate water supply -- are still very serious."
Because of the region's poverty, there has been a lack of clean water and medicine, raising threats of a cholera epidemic. Caradine reported that several elderly people had died in Panama following the earthquake from heart attacks and stroke due to the stress of the devastation.
The Presiding Bishop's Fund sent $15,000 to the Diocese of Costa Rica, where the damage was greatest, and $10,000 to the Diocese of Panama. Glenda McQueen, diocesan development officer in Panama, said the church's role will involve raising money to help people rebuild. "Obviously, the immediate focus will be on people's homes, not the church buildings," Caradine added.
In Bangladesh, the cyclone, accompanied by hurricane winds and earthquakes, left hundreds of thousands with no water, food, or shelter. The Presiding Bishop's Fund has sent $25,000 to the Church of Bangladesh and will continue to work with the ecumenical agency Church World Service.
Caradine reported that the fund contributed $10,000 in emergency aid to the Diocese of Kansas for relief from a string of deadly tornadoes that ripped through the state in late April.
Continuing civil war in the Sudan, a lengthy drought, and an epidemic of meningitis are threatening the lives of millions of people. John Atkins, who works with the Sudanese church and the Anglican Communion from offices in Kenya, said that the courageous spirit of the Sudanese has not been broken despite their suffering. The fund has sent $35,000 in hunger aid to Ethiopia and $100,000 to the church of the province of Sudan.
The Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief has installed a 24-hour, toll-free number: 1-800-488-0087. Information is available for specific needs throughout the world and donation procedures, as well as for grant application.