Earthquake response
Both Lutheran World Relief (LWR) and Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) have been in contact with the synod office, wanting to make sure congregations are aware of outlets for response to the tragedy following an earthquake and aftershocks in Nepal.
Photo credit: REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar
“Continue to pray for the people of Nepal,” urges Kristin Vought, LWR Philanthropic Associate. At 11:41am on April 25th, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 50 miles northwest of Kathmandu, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Tremors were felt across northern India and neighboring Bangladesh and Pakistan.
After first checking on the safety and security of LWR staff “on the ground” in Kathmandu, an office with which LWR has been affiliated since 2009, compilation of a situation report began. From existing donations, 9,000 quilts, 1,000 personal care kits, and 100 water filtration units are being routed to Nepal according to Vought.
“Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters in Nepal, as rescue efforts and assessments continue,” affirms LDR. In addition to a pipeline for donation, LDR urges prayer “for people affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks, especially as they grieve the loss of loved ones and property. Pray for the LWF and Lutheran World Relief emergency teams on the ground, who are standing with people and communities affected.”
To assist with congregational response, consider the following.
- Bulletin insert from LDR: “Nepal Area Earthquake” (pdf file)
- Bulletin insert from LWR: “Emergency Response: Earthquake in Nepal” (pdf file)
- Subscribe to receive LDR alerts
- Situation report from LWR: “Earthquake in Nepal”
- LDR donation page
- LWR donation page
- Litany of Prayers and Children’s Sermon suggestions from LWR
In addition to immediate response, the collection of quilts and kits such as those in route now can always be replenished. Learn what’s involved at: http://lwr.org/getinvolved/kits.