wfn.org | Lutherans Respond to Rio Grande Flooding

[Frank Imhoff <FRANKI@elca.org>]

Reply-To: ElcaNews <ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG>
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 26, 1998

LUTHERANS RESPOND TO  RIO GRANDE FLOODING
98-30-173-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to the
needs of people affected by the flooding along the Rio Grande River in
Texas and Mexico Aug. 24," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for
Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
     "First reports indicate that up to 400 homes were severely damaged or
condemned, $10 million worth of damage has occurred, and at least six
deaths have been verified," said Furst.  "The storm is a result of Tropical
Storm Charley, which dumped more than 18 inches of rain on the area in a
24-hour period, nearly a year's worth of rain in a single day."
     "Emergency grants are being distributed to survivors," said Furst.
"The ELCA's Southwestern Texas Synod and the LCMS's Texas District are
raising funds for distribution."
     "At this time all church buildings are safe and secure," said the
Rev. Norman C. Hein, vice president for chaplaincy at Lutheran Social
Services of the South, Austin, Texas.  "There have been no deaths among
members of the congregations, but many are in shelters as a result of their
homes being flooded."  Hein is coordinating relief efforts on behalf of the
ELCA and LCMS.
     "The flooding on the Mexico side of the river is extensive, with many
areas still under water.  Cardboard houses are demolished, and water is
contaminated and unsafe for personal use," said Hein.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director 1-773-380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html