Emergency Response

Photo by Remko Tanis

Thailand has experienced its worst flooding in 50 years as a result of heavy rains that began in April and peaked in September and October. More rain and flooding are expected.

The United Church sent a grant of $20,000 from the Emergency Response Fund in response to an appeal from the Asian Resource Foundation (ARF), based in Bangkok. The funds will be used to purchase food and other basic supplies for distribution to communities in the areas isolated by the flood waters. ARF will also purchase 10 fibreglass boats needed to distribute supplies to the flooded communities.

The United Church continues to monitor the situation closely.

What You Can Do

Pray: Please pray for the people of Thailand who have been affected by the floods. United Church partners in countries affected by such disasters tell us they always appreciate our prayers when they are offered.
Donate: Donations in support of individuals and families are welcome and will be distributed through a United Church through ACT Alliance or another appropriate channel.

• Online via our secure donation page.
• Phone 416-231-5931 or toll-free 1-800-268-3781 and use your Visa or MasterCard.
• Send a cheque, money order, or Visa or MasterCard information with donation amount to:
  
  The United Church of Canada
  Philanthropy Unit—Emergency Response
  3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
  Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
  
  Please be sure to note "Emergency Response—Thailand" on the face of your cheque.

Background

A report from the Asian Resource Foundation states that 212 districts in 28 provinces are under water and close to a million people are affected. More than 250 people have lost their lives.

Flood barriers erected in many areas have collapsed, including in Bangkok, the capital. Villages, schools, temples, prisons, hospitals, crops, and factories are all submerged and livestock have drowned. Hundreds of thousands of people are housed in makeshift shelters.

Fortunately Thailand has maintained stores of surplus food, so the food supply is not an immediate problem in major cities. But food supplies are running out in villages cut off from these cities by flood waters.

ACT Alliance has issued an Alert and an appeal is expected soon. Once the appeal is received the United Church will consider sending additional funds.

For more information contact:

• Bern Jagunos
  Program Coordinator, Asia/Pacific Area Relations
  The United Church of Canada
  Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4077
  Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4077
  E-mail: Bern Jagunos
• Gary Kenny
  Program Coordinator, Emergency Response and International Development
  The United Church of Canada
  Tel: 416-231-5931 ext. 4051
  Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4051
  E-mail: Gary Kenny