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.
December 6, 2007
A massive rainstorm stalled over Washington and Oregon is to blame for rapid flooding that has killed at least seven people and left more than 75,000 households without electricity. Washed-out and flooded roads are keeping many coastal communities isolated, limiting rescue and relief operations primarily to helicopters.
Governors of both states report they will ask President Bush for federal disaster declarations. Emergency shelters remain open in both states while work continues to clear roads of debris.
VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES WATCH
Flooding in both states has impacted counties with above-average poverty rates. Media reports indicate flooding affected many businesses as well, threatening livelihoods and complicating recovery.
CWS RESPONSE
Emergency Response Specialist Lura Cayton is in contact with Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) organizations in both states. Washington VOAD board members are taking turns at duty in the state Emergency Operations Center.
CWS also stands ready to provide material resources at the request of disaster response partners and denominations. Flood waters are beginning to recede and, as assessment begins, CWS will continue to monitor for potential responses, including trainings for leaders of emerging long-term recovery organizations and special project initiatives in partnership with local human service agencies.
Media Contact:
Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org
Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526; jdragin@gis.net
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
Youths sit on a bamboo bench as they guard their village during floods in Solo late December 26, 2007. Indonesian rescuers struggled on Thursday to pull out bodies and reach survivors ...
Email 
Print 
