Council Of Churches Australia Tsunami Response

Tsunami Response

The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) is receiving funds for emergency support for people affected by this week’s tsunami in south Asia.

An immediate response of A$ 30 000 has been sent to international partner, Action by Churches Together (ACT). The devastating tsunami has gravely affected the NCCA’s Christmas Bowl partners in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand.

Miss Sooriyakumary, Secretary of the Organisation for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation in India and Sri Lanka, who visited Australia in October, spoke today from Colombo, “Our situation is pretty bad. We are very concerned for the children who are homeless and orphaned. We have sent a team of 10 people to Trincomalee, one of the worst affected areas, to talk with people and to assess the situation for initial recovery. Many are so shocked and it will be very difficult for them to overcome the awful memories of this week.

“There will be many months of cleaning up and providing emergency housing and water - we are sending as many volunteers as we can to help - 40 of our recently returned refugees from India have been killed and others injured.

“With the support of the Christmas Bowl and other ACT partners we will be working for a very long time to meet the ongoing needs of the people. Please pray for all the people who have been caught up in this tragedy.”

Through its partners in the affected countries the Christmas Bowl is able to ensure funds are used in the most needed areas which have been identified locally.

Contributions to the Christmas Bowl’s emergency fund (tax deductible) can be made via freecall 1800 025 101 or our secure site http://www.ncca.org.au/give/christian_world_service.

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