Week of Compassion (WoC) continues to respond to people affected by flooding abroad and in the United States. Water is finally receding in Pakistan after weeks of massive flooding. Church World Service estimates the floods have affected the lives of 18 to 20 million people. WoC is working through its ecumenical partners to provide short term food, shelter and medical care and to plan for the long-term needs of the country. "This is as big a humanitarian crisis as the 2004 Tsunami – if not bigger," said Amy Gopp, executive director of Week of Compassion.
In the United States, heavy rainfall over the last month has caused flooding in central and eastern Iowa, forcing hundreds of residents from their homes. Week of Compassion is responding to meet the needs of families in Disciples congregations in the Iowa communities of Des Moines, Ames, and Colfax. Flash flooding in some parts of Middle Tennessee earlier this month washed out roads, derailed trains and flooded an apartment complex. WoC has responded to needs in Livingston, Tenn., and is continuing to monitor the situation. To learn more, visit: www.weekofcompassion.org/updates/2010/8/19/pakistan-floods-are-beyond-devastating.html
