wfn.org | UMCOR to send team to Colombia

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Jan. 29, 1999	Contact: Linda Bloom*(212) 870-3803*New York
10-32-71B{051}

By United Methodist News Service

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) will send a team to
Colombia the first week of February to assess the needs of earthquake
victims.

At least 900 people were killed and several thousand injured when the
earthquake struck west-central Colombia on Jan. 25. The city of Armenia was
hardest hit. As rescue teams continued to dig through the rubble, searching
for survivors, some hungry and frustrated residents in Armenia and Pereira
looted food and clothing stores, according to news reports.

Besides assessing needs, the UMCOR team will work to establish the
relationships necessary to distribute supplies. Beverly Bartlett, an UMCOR
staff member, noted that there is a United Methodist presence in the region,
but said it is small enough to warrant additional partnerships for relief
work.

Contributions for the relief effort can be made to UMCOR Advance No.
982450-8, earmarked Colombia earthquake. Checks can be placed in church
collection plates or mailed to UMCOR at 475 Riverside Dr., Room 330, New
York, NY 10115.

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