Lutherans Respond to Rio Grande Flooding

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to the needs of people affected by the flooding along the Rio Grande River in Texas and Mexico Aug. 24," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
     "First reports indicate that up to 400 homes were severely damaged or condemned, $10 million worth of damage has occurred, and at least six deaths have been verified," said Furst.  "The storm is a result of Tropical Storm Charley, which dumped more than 18 inches of rain on the area in a 24-hour period, nearly a year's worth of rain in a single day."
     "Emergency grants are being distributed to survivors," said Furst. "The ELCA's Southwestern Texas Synod and the LCMS's Texas District are raising funds for distribution."
     "At this time all church buildings are safe and secure," said the Rev. Norman C. Hein, vice president for chaplaincy at Lutheran Social Services of the South, Austin, Texas.  "There have been no deaths among members of the congregations, but many are in shelters as a result of their homes being flooded."  Hein is coordinating relief efforts on behalf of the ELCA and LCMS.
     "The flooding on the Mexico side of the river is extensive, with many areas still under water.  Cardboard houses are demolished, and water is contaminated and unsafe for personal use," said Hein.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director 1-773-380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html