wfn.org | Madagascar Cyclone Affects Lutherans

[ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

February 21, 1997

CYCLONE DESTRUCTION HURTS MADAGASCAR
97-05-012-AH

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- A cyclone that tore through southern
Madagascar Jan. 20-26 killed more than 200 people, destroyed
hundreds of buildings and damaged crops throughout the southern
region.  "In Vangaindrano 482 Lutheran churches were destroyed or
heavily damaged, including all eight Lutheran schools," according
to the Division for Global Mission, Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA).  A few days later a tropical storm caused
further destruction in the African island's northwestern area.
     The ELCA's International Disaster Response Fund has sent
$50,000 to the Lutheran World Federation for "aid to partner
churches and agencies working on the ground," said Belletech
Deressa, director for development in the Division for Global
Mission.   The ELCA has sent a "Disaster-gram" to its 11,000
congregations urging special contributions to aid the relief
effort in Madagascar, where there are 1.5 million Lutherans.
     The Rev. H. George Anderson, ELCA presiding bishop, said,
"For more than 100 years the ELCA has walked in fellowship and
mission with the Lutherans in Madagascar.  It is with great
concern and compassion that we extend words of comfort and
encouragement to them at this time of great need."
     Anderson said, "As the ELCA churchwide staff gathered for
worship this morning, we remembered the Malagasy people in our
prayers.  We commit ourselves to continue in prayer and ongoing
support during this time of grieving and healing, and during the
months of rebuilding that lie ahead."
     According to Deressa 70 percent of all crops in the southern
region were destroyed, 80 to 95 percent of all buildings were
destroyed or damaged and more than 100,000 people are homeless.
The Malagasy Lutheran Church reports 516 churches destroyed or
heavily damaged.  In one area 59 out of 70 parsonages were
destroyed.  Lutheran schools and seminary buildings are damaged,
along with the hospital at Ankaramalaza.
     Action by Churches Together (ACT) reported serious damage in
Vangaindrano, Farafangana, Vondrozo, Vohipeno, Manakara and
Midongy.  A hospital, 80 percent of the houses and even a prison
were destroyed by the force of the storm, according to ACT.
Rivers burst their banks, normal communication systems were lost
and boats which could have been used in the rescue efforts were
swept out to sea, ACT reported.
     ACT is a worldwide network of churches, including the
Lutheran World Federation, meeting human need through coordinated
emergency response.  The LWF is a worldwide communion of 122
member churches, including the ELCA.
     According to ACT the most immediate need is for shelter and
blankets, cups, plates and cooking utensils, first aid materials,
treatment for contaminated water, food such as rice and corn, and
construction materials for the 30,000 to 60,000 people affected.
The disaster zone is known for production of coffee, bananas,
oranges and other fruit, plus corn, the region's staple food,
which is normally ready for harvest in February.
     The Rev. R. Kevin Mohr, an ELCA missionary, said, "There is
real concern over the spread of disease, because most fresh water
supply systems have been polluted or destroyed.  "Virtually all
crops and fruit trees have been destroyed.  Most rice fields are
still submerged.  The next rice crop must be planted before the
middle of March, otherwise the farmers will have to wait until
August or September."
     Mohr said, "The most urgent needs immediately are for seed,
fertilizer, food, medical aid and surveillance.  While many
buildings and homes have been damaged or destroyed, the vast
majority of personal residences are simple structures, made of
local materials, that can be rebuilt once the waters have
receded."  Mohr heads up the ELCA mission operation from
Antananarivo.

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