Press Releases

Update on Bangladesh Tropical Storm

The cyclone that hit Bangladesh on November 15, 2007 affected 23 districts (political) in Bangladesh. Of these, 14 districts were severely affected. According to the government, 2,388 have died. People expect that they will find many more dead in the next few day as rescue efforts continue. Some reports forecast that there may be as many as 10,000 fatalities.

Thousands are missing. About 3,000 army personnel as well as many navy personnel have engaged in rescue efforts. According to the government, about 3,200,000 people were living in the high risk coastal areas. About 1,700,000 of these people moved to a safe place before the cyclone hit. Still, many more have been injured.

Communication has been difficult because road, telecommunications, and the country’s power system were interrupted. Houses, crops, and trees are destroyed. Ninety-five percent of about 1,100,000 hectors of rice fields and 500,000 hectors of winter vegetable fields in 14 districts are destroyed.

Millions are homeless. About 80 percent of rural houses in the severely hit areas are damaged. Many are living in the temporary shelters without enough food. Rain, cold, and water born diseases have added to people’s suffering. Saline water and polluted water are mixing with pond and river water leaving areas without clean drinking water.

This is the biggest cyclone in last 50 years. According to the media, the damage caused by the storm is more than the damage from the recent flood.

In Bagerhat and Khulna, 14 of our Nazarene churches and about 165 families have been affected. About 55 houses of Nazarene members have been blown apart completely. Others are damaged only partially. About 99 percent of these people lost trees and livestock. The Mongla Child Development Center has also been affected.

Two of our churches in Satkhira have suffered damage, and their temporary shelter is blown out. Our congregations in Goplagonj, who also suffered damages from the floods earlier this year, are also affected by the cyclone.

Please pray for the situation. Millions of people are without food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and a way to make a living. Thank you for your prayer, care, love, and support for the ministry in Bangladesh.

Taken from a report by Rev. Nathan Biswas

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “South Asia Disaster Relief ACM1549” and mail them to the General Treasurer, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21,2007

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• and mail to:
  General Treasurer
  6401 The Paseo
  Kansas City, MO 64131
• In Canada, make checks payable to: Church of the Nazarene
• and mail to:
  Church of the Nazarene Canada
  20 Regan Road, Unit 9
  Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

All donations remitted through NCM and the General Treasurers Office will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.

NCM is the liaison between the pressing needs of the world and the individuals that are committed to making a difference. We understand that you may not be able to respond to every need. However, we want to keep you informed of the opportunities for your involvement in projects such as this. Every project deserves your individual consideration.