During this past week, the world has witnessed the devastation caused by a tsunami that crashed into communities in American Samoa, floods that have swept away homes and businesses in the northern Philippines, and the results of an earthquake that destroyed countless buildings in Indonesia. Collectively, these natural disasters have killed thousands of people and left tens of thousands homeless.
On the Ground in Samoa
"Houses were completely demolished, they were all shattered into pieces of timbers, they were all floating in the waters, and (survivors) were still looking for some missing relatives. I've never seen something like this before in my whole life," resident Maulolo Tavita said.
Power was out in much of the island's eastern district, telephone service was spotty and many businesses, schools and government offices are closed until further notice. Recovery operations are continuing 24 hours a day. Businesses are contributing heavy equipment such as bulldozers and backhoes to the effort.
On the Ground in the Philippines
Philippine Islands President Gloria Arroyo has declared a "state of calamity" throughout the island nation, which lies in the path of a second major storm in as many days.
The second typhoon to hit the country this week, Typhoon Parma has brought winds of nearly 200 kilometers per hour. Arroyo has ordered evacuations from six provinces likely to feel the typhoon's strongest effects.
"There are areas still underwater," said Luc Picard of CRS. People are becoming sick without clean water, he said. "Sanitation is a huge problem," and leading to severe diarrhea, severe rashes, and various diseases, Picard said.
On the Ground in Indonesia
At least 1,100 people are dead in Indonesia as a result of two large earthquakes in as many days, United Nations humanitarian chief John Holmes told reporters Thursday.
Hundreds more are believed to be injured, Holmes said. "These numbers, I fear, will rise as more information becomes available. It's still feared that thousands of people are trapped under damaged houses and many buildings."
Telecommunications are difficult in the region, roads are cut off and the hardest-hit area, including the city of Padang, lacks power and other services, Holmes said. Heavy rainfall also has hindered search and rescue efforts.
The 6.6 magnitude quake Thursday hit South Sumatra (9:52 p.m. Wednesday ET), about 100 miles (160 km) from Bengkulu, the U.S. Geological Survey said. An earlier quake Wednesday had a magnitude of 7.6.
HOW WE CAN HELP!
The missions ministry of New Hope Oahu partners with two agencies that have been on the ground, providing support since the onset of each of the disasters...
Youth With A Mission
100% of each contribution sent into Youth With A Mission (YWAM) will be directed, by missionaries on the ground, to helping the victims of the disasters. As an international/interdenominational missions agency, YWAMÕs focus is to serve those in need and present Christ to them through their actions along the way.
When making a contribution: Please make your check payable to YWAM, write the disaster that your contribution is designated for in the memo section of the check, and mail the check toÉ YWAM / Relief Projects / 2707 Hipawai Place / Honolulu, HI 96822.
The International Red Cross
You can help people affected by the recent disasters by mailing a contribution to: Red Cross / 4155 Diamond Head Road / Honolulu, HI 96816. Simply write the disaster that your contribution is designated for in the memo section of the check. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.
Please feel free to contact Doug Kennedy at (808) 842-4242 ext. 205 or at doug@eNewhope.orgshould you have questions about making a contribution.
