Reuters and AlertNet are not responsible for the content of this article or for any external internet sites. The views expressed are the author's alone.
TABASCO, MEXICO, November 7, 2007--US-based ACT member, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), is working with the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico in responding to the flooding in Tabasco, Mexico.
Days of rain and unusually large waves off the coast have inundated Tabasco, a low-lying and oil-rich state on Mexico's tropical Gulf coast, causing the largest natural disaster in recent Mexican history. More than 700,000 homes are under water and 80 percent of the state is flooded.
Tabasco's Governor Andres Granier says that the state is devastated, all crops had been destroyed, livestock has been killed and most of the state's business sectors have been affected. The BBC reports that flood waters have begun receding, while conditions remain difficult.
The National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM) is actively engaged in responding to this crisis. Five of the INPM presbyteries are affected by the flooding.
The presbytery offices are currently sheltering more than 1,000 people. Many of the state's regular shelters were evacuated after floodwaters overtook them.
The ACT Central America Forum is assisting INPM in the damage and needs assessments and is also considering further support. Meanwhile, PDA has sent initial funding support. INPM has identified the immediate need of bottled water, food and bedding for the shelters.
PDA reports there will likely be longer-term needs associated with this disaster response. INPM is currently finishing the long-term recovery plan for response to Hurricane Dean that affected three presbyteries in the Yucatan.
Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, also an ACT member, sent the head of their Latin America office to the region as they consider a future response.
(ends)
Action by Churches Together (ACT) International is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide.
For further information, please contact:
Callie Long, ACT Communications Officer
(office: +41 22 791 6039 / mobile: +41 79 358 3171)
Sidney Traynham, ACT Assistant Communications Officer
(office: +41 22 791 6711 / mobile: +41 79 681 1868)
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
A view of the Rio Grande river bordering the United States (L) and Mexico is seen from an international bridge in the border city of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico December 13, 2007. ...
Email 
Print 
