June 17, 2008

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing emergency assistance to communities devastated by ongoing flooding in Iowa. So far the flood waters are responsible for the deaths of five people, the displacement of 38,000 others and have inflicted up to $1 billion in damage to Iowa's agricultural sector.

The damage to infrastructure is severe. Across eastern Iowa, the flooding rivers have washed out railroad lines, halted barge traffic on the Mississippi River and closed major roadways. Twenty-four counties have been declared disaster areas to date.

More rain is expected in the region and officials fear that flood waters will breech 27 levees along the Mississippi River in Iowa and Missouri later this week.

Working with its partner the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, ERD is providing emergency assistance to people who have been displaced from their homes. Families will be given temporary shelter and provided with food, clothing, first aid and other basic necessities.

"The Diocese of Iowa's extraordinary people have been bringing support to those impacted by recent tornadoes, immigration raids and now these terrible floods," says Abagail Nelson, ERD's senior vice president for programs. "We will continue to support them as they bring critical aid to the people impacted in their communities."

To help people affected by flooding in Iowa, make a donation to ERD's "Disaster Response Fund" online here, or by calling 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development "Disaster Response Fund" P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

Episcopal News Service