SOUTHERN AFRICA: ERD responds to floods in Malawi, Zambia

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing emergency assistance to communities in Malawi and Zambia affected by devastating flooding in the region. Torrential rains in southern Africa have swollen the Zambezi River to well above the flood limit while washing away entire villages and thousands of acres of crops.

The crisis along the Zambezi is going from bad to worse, impacting hundreds of thousands of people in the region, and more rain is expected. At least 50 people have died as a result of the floods. Tens of thousands have sought shelter or been relocated -- often more than once as places initially assumed to be safe are threatened by rising water.

ERD's partners in Zambia, Zambian Anglican Council (ZAC), and in Malawi, the Anglican Diocese of Southern Malawi, have been responding to the most severely affected areas. In Zambia, ZAC is providing food supplementation for people in temporary shelters. The Anglican Diocese of Southern Malawi is distributing food, sheltering material, medicine and fuel throughout its area of operation.

"Our partners are moving quickly to help the many thousands of people who have been impacted by flooding. They plan to be present in affected communities to assist in the replanting of the lost crops and help community members get their lives back on track," said Janette O'Neill, ERD's senior director for Africa Programs.

To help people affected in southern Africa, make a donation to ERD's "Emergency Relief Fund" online here, or by calling 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development "Emergency Relief Fund" P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.