wfn.org | Lutherans Assist Northeast Iowa Residents Affected by Flood

[NEWS <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 3, 1999

LUTHERANS ASSIST NORTHEAST IOWA RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY FLOOD
99-152-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response is providing
emergency assistance to northeast Iowa residents affected by flood
waters May 21.  Lutheran Disaster Response is a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
     "As much as eight inches of water from heavy rain raised the
already overloaded Volga, Crane and Turkey Rivers," said the Rev.
Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response.  "More than
1,500 individuals were displaced and hundreds of homes were affected.
Most of the survivors are low-income or elderly persons."
     Some small towns were completely submerged and dozens of small
businesses were put out of commission by flood waters that covered 13
northeast Iowa counties.
     Lutheran Social Service of Iowa, Des Moines, has been responding
to the disaster through Lutheran Disaster Response, said Furst.  Relief
efforts are being coordinated with the ELCA's Northeastern Iowa Synod,
LCMS Iowa East District and with local Lutheran pastors.
     Lutheran Disaster Response is assessing the extent of the damage.
"Resources for children are being distributed and counselors are being
deployed.  A volunteer coordinator will be hired," said Furst.
"Volunteers will be needed for several months to help with mud removal
and general clean up."

=======================================                     
DOMESTIC DISASTERS:

Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to survivors of
 major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, 
please include:

Lutheran Disaster Response
P.O. Box 71764
Chicago, IL  60694-1764
                                                                                   800-638-3522

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html