Support Disaster Relief Efforts
Recent Flooding Impacts Baptists Worldwide
An increase in flooding across the globe is devastating already vulnerable countries, damaging crops and infrastructure and threatening livelihoods. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a vital role in addressing the urgent needs arising from these calamities.
For example:
- US$44 can provide a basic food package for a family for one month in countries like Myanmar, Uganda, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic
- US$60 can help a family in Bangladesh regain their lost livelihoods after the devastating floods
- US$1,000 can significantly bolster efforts to rebuild essential infrastructure, such as schools and homes, providing flooding victims with necessary materials to resume education and restore living conditions
Humanitarian responses across the affected regions are spearheaded by local Baptist conventions and organizations such as the Baptist Convention of Kenya, Baptist Convention of Sierra Leone, Baptist Union of Uganda, Providence Foundation Inc. in Liberia, Bangladesh Baptist Church Sangha and Fellowship, Association of Baptist Churches in CAR, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Baptist General Association of Virginia, Union of Baptist Churches in Rwanda, and Texans on Mission.
Conventions, pastors, and church volunteers are focused on providing essential aid, including non-food items, cash grants, food, water, shelter, and clothing to the most vulnerable populations. This amounts to over $450,000 in requests for support.
AFRICA
Across the continent, severe flooding caused by torrential rains has led to devastating humanitarian crises, displacing thousands and damaging infrastructure.
In Kenya, particularly in Kisumu and parts of the Rift Valley, ongoing rains have displaced over 8,000 households, resulting in tragic loss of life and significant impacts on livestock.
In Sierra Leone, 21 days of continuous rain displaced 3,068 families in vulnerable communities.
Uganda and Liberia have also faced excessive flooding, with Bundibugyo experiencing river overflows and significant damage to medical centers and homes, primarily affecting women, children, and displaced families.
The Central African Republic has experienced unprecedented flooding in Kemba. Rwanda has also faced catastrophic flooding linked to climate change.
Nigeria‘s recent floods have led to over 200 deaths and a million displaced individuals.
ASIA
In Bangladesh, recent flooding has severely impacted six districts in Bangladesh, leaving nearly 3.6 million people stranded and causing loss of life. Many families are marooned, and the situation has been exacerbated by heavy rainfall. The Association of Telugu Baptist Churches also shared the state of Andhra Pradesh (India) has been badly affected by the heavy rains. Due to the overflow of the rivers, 60% of the city of Vijayawada is flooded. Two of the association’s mission outreach churches were badly damaged. Many of their members have lost everything and are now living in shelters.
The death toll in Myanmar in the wake of flooding and landslides caused by Typhoon Yagi has climbed to 419.
Since the end of September, Nepal has experienced relentless rain, resulting in widespread destruction. Almost 200 people have lost their lives and hundreds more injured. Flooding and landslides have submerged entire villages, destroyed homes, and wiped out critical infrastructure, making rescue efforts incredibly difficult. More than 3,700 people have been rescued, but the death toll is expected to rise as teams reach more remote areas.
North America
Since Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 27, more than 60 people across the eastern United States have died in its wake. More than 2 million people are without power with thousands stranded in communities cut off from support due to floodwaters and road outages. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper stated that the hurricane has caused devastation across the western part of the state with similar statements from government leaders in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Emergency personnel are working around the clock to respond to calls for help, and Baptist disaster relief teams are mobilizing to reach the area with supplies, hot meals, and spiritual support.
Support Our Global Response
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Giving By Check
Address checks to the Baptist World Alliance and mail to our office located at:
405 N. Washington Street
Falls Church, Virginia, 22046 USA
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For those wishing to give via wire transfer, email the BWA Finance Department to receive specific instructions.
The Baptist World Alliance is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization within the United States.
For income tax reporting purposes, donors will receive a receipt for their gift.
Designated Gift Policy: If a ministry project is overfunded, our policy is to apply the unused portion to a similar need.
Join Us in Prayer
- Pray for safety and protection of those affected by the floods – that God would shield them from further harm, provide shelter, and keep them safe from the dangers posed by rising waters.
- Pray for rapid and well-coordinated relief efforts – that aid workers would reach those in need quickly and with the necessary resources to alleviate suffering.
- Pray for God’s comfort and peace to surround those who have lost loved ones – that they would feel His presence during this time of grief.
- Pray for continuous support and strengthening for response teams as they respond to the devastation on the ground.