October 14, 2005

In northern Pakistan and India, the deadly 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck on October 8 killed more than 35,000 people. ERD – (Episcopal Relief and Development Fund) is partnering with the Dioceses of Peshawar and Lahore in the Church of Pakistan to provide immediate assistance in affected communities. Nearly 300 families in Azad Kashmir will receive food and shelter through ERD's assistance to the Diocese of Lahore. In the Diocese of Peshawar, ERD's funds will support the cost of five truckloads of supplies including items such as food, bedding, basic medicines, shelter materials, and clothing to be delivered to earthquake victims near Balakot and other affected areas. ERD's partnership with the diocese is helping the Church's Mission Hospital in Peshawar field four medical teams and establish a field hospital where ERD will help provide supplies such as bandages, rehydration solutions, cholera/dysentery therapy, and other materials.

ERD is already working with an ecumenical partner, Church World Service, to provide medical care, shelters, and food to communities in Mansehra, Azad Kashmir, and the Northwest Frontier Province.

Flooding and mudslides caused by Hurricane Stan have devastated areas throughout Central America. ERD is working with the Diocese of Guatemala to provide immediate relief such as food, water, and plastic sheeting for temporary shelters in some of the hardest-hit communities. The assistance will help people in areas such as Pixabaj in Solol·, San AndrÈs Ixtapa in Chimaltenango, and Casta Pastoral in Xela and Albergue. ERD and the diocese will also supply aid to people sheltered at the Episcopal Church of San Marcos in Quetzaltenango.

"Houses throughout the country are buried by mud and rocks, and many of the inhabitants have been killed," said The Rt. Rev. Armando Guerra, Bishop of Guatemala. "Communities have lost their entire crops," said Bishop Guerra.

ERD is already partnering with the Anglican Diocese of El Salvador and Asociaciûn Mangle to supply emergency assistance to more than 40,000 displaced people in devastated communities throughout the country.

Please continue to pray for people affected by the earthquake in Pakistan and India and recent floods in Central America.

Anglican Communion News Service, London