June 29, 2007

Recent heavy rains have caused flooding and storm-related damage in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka. The death toll now stands at 127 persons.

Because of flood inundation, communications in the states have been hampered, and electrical supplies have been badly affected; standing crops have also been destroyed. Tens of thousands of families have been displaced, their homes destroyed or severely damaged.

RESPONSE: Long-time CWS partner Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) is responding with a feeding program and distribution of relief materials to some 5,000 families in the three affected states. The relief materials include tarpaulin sheets which will serve as temporary shelter for the flood-affected families. CASA also plans to repair five damaged schools.

Among the serious issues facing those who have survived the disaster are: food, as the floods have affected the most marginalized and impoverished members of society, who have lost food supplies; and shelter, as many homes have been badly damaged and washed away in the flood waters.

Contributions to support this emergency appeal may be sent to your denomination or to Church World Service, Southern India Floods 2007 - Account #6988, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN, 46515. Contributions may also be made by credit card online, or by calling: 800-297-1516, ext. 222.

Media Contacts: Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org Jan Dragin (24/7), 781-925-1526; jdragin@gis.net