HOTLINE - week of July 02, 2007

Torrential rains are causing severe flooding in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, and in surrounding areas throughout southern Pakistan. More than 300 people have died from storm-related damage and flooding.

In Gadap, one of the worst-hit towns, some 1,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, 75 poultry farms have been destroyed, and some 400 livestock reported missing—a heavy toll in an area where most people make their living from agriculture.

Church World Service is providing 1,000 family food packages, containing such basic items as wheat, rice and cooking oil, and is also planning to distribute 1,000 non-winterized tents. CWS is also conducting further assessments to determine additional needs.

Even though the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held its first open elections in 40 years, and the country is home to the U.N.’s largest peacekeeping force, violence by militias and foreign troops near DRC's borders threatens millions of displaced people who have endured decades of conflict. Over 400,000 people still live as refugees in neighboring Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Angola, Uganda, and Zambia.

Nearly 81 percent of the DRC's population lives in abject poverty, which limits their ability to escape violence. Complicating matters are significant natural disasters such as torrential rain and hailstorms, rapidly growing infection rates of HIV and malaria, and a plant disease outbreak that propagates DRC's food insecurity. Sexual violence against women and girls is common.

Church World Service is working with partners in helping 22,321 displaced/returnee households (an estimated 156,247 people). Assistance includes food (particularly for families and malnourished children); non-food items; plastic sheeting; seeds; rehabilitation of wells, schools, and health facilities; income generation activities for women victims of sexual violence; HIV/AIDS awareness-raising; and training for partner staff. Funding for these programs is urgently needed.

At least 300 homes and 75 other structures have been destroyed by fire in the Lake Tahoe area. Emergency and faith groups are preparing to respond to needs of displaced families.

Many of the homes destroyed are year-round residences and not vacation homes. Many homeowner insurance policies undervalue the replacement costs of homes, making it difficult for lower- and middle-income families to rebuild.

Around 700 CWS Blankets will provide some comfort to displaced families in shelters, whose vouchers for hotel stays will run out shortly.

Texas/Oklahoma Flooding--Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in central Texas and Oklahoma. Flooding in Texas has displaced at least 87 families and prompted swift water rescues. In Oklahoma, flooding has damaged many homes. All of Oklahoma is under a state of emergency, as rains are expected to continue through the June 30-July 1 weekend. CWS is following closely the progress of long-term recovery organizing in both states in order to pinpoint training and other needs.

Afghanistan—Girls at Children Rehabilitation Center, in Bamyan. Photo: CWS

Some 200 low-income girls and boys in Bamyan, in Hazarajat district, are learning better study methods, the basics of sanitation and health, good behavior, the fundamentals of good citizenship, and environmental basics, through the Church World Service-supported Children Rehabilitation Center. Children in Afghanistan, who have survived years of conflict, often face mental as well as behavioral problems.

One teacher, Fahima Rahimi reports, "We always keep a lookout for any problem children, or those who show a lot of anger or are naughty. We try to give them more attention and show them extra kindness."

Mina, mother of an eleven-year-old girl who attends the Center, observes that not only has her daughter's behavior improved, but it has started to rub off on her brothers and sisters.

"She is reading and writing more at home, and looks to cooperate with other children. Now they often watch the news on television, and will discuss the stories among themselves afterwards."

The success of the Center's program is marked by higher rates of attendance at primary and secondary schools, less juvenile delinquency, and better health among the participants.

Recent heavy rains have caused flooding in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka. Long-time CWS partner Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) is responding with a feeding program and relief materials for some 5,000 families in the three states. Relief materials include tarpaulins for temporary shelter. CASA also plans to repair five damaged schools. CWS is seeking funds to assist CASA’s emergency efforts in southern India.

Your prayers and support - and your participation in CROP WALKS and the TOOLS & BLANKETS Program - make possible these and other life sustaining programs. For information on how to get involved, please call your Church World Service/CROP Regional Office toll-free at 1-888-CWS-CROP, that's 1-888-297-2767.

For information about free loan videos, please call 1-800-297-1516, ext. 338, or e-mail us at: videos@churchworldservice.org.

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