wfn.org | [ENS] ERD provides food supplies to families in Zambia,

["Matthew Davies" <mdavies@episcopalchurch.org>]

Daybook, from Episcopal News Service
August 26, 2005 -- Friday Forum

ERD provides food supplies to families in Zambia, relief to flood
victims in
India

[ENS, Source: ERD] -- Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is
expanding
its efforts to reach people affected by the food crisis in Africa by
providing emergency assistance in eastern Zambia. Erratic rainfall and
prolonged dry spells in the Eastern province of Zambia, especially in
the
Luangwa Valley, have caused a dramatic decrease in crop production. An
estimated 1.2 million people in the country need food aid.

"Most of Central Africa has suffered from a very bad drought, the worst
in
over a decade. Crops have failed, especially maize, which people rely
upon
to make their staple food, nshima," said Bishop William Muchombo of
Eastern
Zambia. "The high price of food, coupled with poverty, especially in
rural
areas, means people cannot afford enough maize to feed their families. I
am
seeing people selling their few possessions and animals to buy food at
exorbitant prices."

On behalf of Episcopalians, ERD is providing emergency assistance to the
Diocese of Eastern Zambia for food supplies, such as maize. The support
will
help the diocese provide immediate relief to hungry families.

"This crisis will get worse until the next harvest, which is not until
May
of next year," said Muchombo.

To make a contribution to help people affected by this crisis, donate to
the
Africa Relief Fund at www.er-d.org, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129.
Gifts
can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, Africa Relief Fund,
PO
Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

Indian floods

ERD is also providing emergency assistance to people affected by severe
floods in the western state of Maharashtra in India after heavy rains
one
month ago. More than 1,000 people have been killed and more than 20
million
others have been affected by the floods. Mumbai, the capital, has been
particularly hard hit.

Rains have caused landslides, displacing thousands, and destroying at
least
10,000 homes in the districts of Mumbai, Sindhudurg, Sangli, and
Ratnagiri
Raigad. Public buildings, health centers, schools, and other
infrastructure
have been affected by the floods which have also paralyzed rail, road,
and
air traffic.

On behalf of Episcopalians, ERD is providing emergency relief to people
in
Maharashta through a feeding program serving the most vulnerable
populations, including women and children. ERD is partnering with Action
by
Church Together International to respond to the emergency and supply
families with critical aid such as cooked food, potable water, dry
ration
kits, clothing, blankets, and hygiene kits.

To make a contribution to help people immediately after disasters,
donate to
the Emergency Relief Fund at www.er-d.org, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext.
5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief and Development, Emergency
Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.