wfn.org | Episcopal Relief and Development helps cyclone victims in Samoa

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

ACNS 3750	    |		USA	    |		22 JANUARY 2004

Episcopal Relief and Development helps cyclone victims in Samoa

[ACNS source: Episcopal Relief and Development] Episcopal Relief and 
Development is providing support to victims of Cyclone Heta, which hit 
Samoan islands in the Pacific in early January. Winds, flash flooding, and 
strong waves damaged homes and destroyed crops. The cyclone caused power 
outages and disrupted phone service. An estimated 600 people remain in 
shelters and hundreds of other people have been displaced from their homes.

"The electricity and water supply have been restored but damage to basic 
food crops will take longer to replace," said Sereima Lomaloma, Secretary 
and Registrar for the Diocese of Polynesia. "Roofs were blown off some
homes."

On behalf of the Episcopal Church, Episcopal Relief and Development has 
advanced emergency funds to the Diocese of Polynesia to give critical 
assistance to victims in Samoa. The funds will provide food, water, 
medicines, and temporary shelter to residents in the Aumi Laulii area, as 
well as others in the hardest hit section of the Tutuila island.