You are currently subscribed to the PCUSANEWS
email list of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
======================================= This story online at: http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07202.htm
07202 April 5, 2007
PC(USA) aids Solomon Islands tsunami relief through ACT Partner churches in Australia, New Zealand take lead role
by Jerry L. Van Marter
LOUISVILLE - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) partner churches in Australia and New Zealand are taking the lead in responding directly to the disaster that struck the Solomon Islands on April 2, where an offshore 8.0 earthquake triggered an eight to 10-foot tsunami.
Thirteen Solomons villages were destroyed, killing at least 20 people and leaving thousands homeless. The quake struck so close to the Solomon Islands that the tsunami hit before warning sirens could be activated.
Susan Ryan, coordinator of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) [http://www.pcusa.org/pda], told the Presbyterian News Service that Action by Churches Together (ACT) - the Geneva-based relief and development agency of which PDA is a part - is responding through ACT member churches nearest the Solomon Islands.
"This is what is so wonderful and effective about being part of a larger network of responders," Ryan said. "Together, we are able to respond much more quickly and appropriately anywhere in the world. We are thankful for the partners we have in the region who are able to respond to this disaster."
ACT member Christian World Service - New Zealand has launched an emergency appeal to provide immediate support. Several partner agencies in Australia - Australian Lutheran World Service, the National Council of Churches in Australia and the Anglican Board of Mission - are also rushing emergency supplies and workers to the stricken area.
Those partners have told PDA they do not anticipate the need for a large-scale appeal from international partners. Church World Service (CWS), the largest U.S.-based ecumenical relief and development agency is working closely with ACT to assess needs and determine what direct role, if any, U.S. groups such as PDA need to fill in responding.
Once a British protectorate, the Solomon Islands have been independent since 1978.
======================================= You are currently subscribed to the PCUSANEWS email list of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
To unsubscribe, send a blank message to
mailto:PCUSANEWS-unsubscribe-request@halak.pcusa.org.
To update your email address, send your old email address and your new one to mailto:PCUSANEWS-owner@halak.pcusa.org.
For questions or comments, send an email to mailto:PCUSANEWS-owner@halak.pcusa.org.
To learn more, visit http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202 (888) 728-7228