Immediate needs for those affected by floods

Dear Prayer Warriors:

The worst flooding in more than 20 years has affected 14 out of the 23 provinces of Ecuador. On January 31 the Government declared the emergency situation for 9 provinces; on February 20, Ecuador’s President, Rafael Correa, declared a state of emergency, facilitating the army to intervene. Here are some quick facts about the flooding:

• To date, the Government has officially declared that the death toll has risen to 23 persons due to the floods. 5 of them are children under 18, 2 children are under the age of 1
  
• The country has suffered heavy damages in the productive area (nearly 300,000 acres have been affected and US$ 82 million were lost in crops), and in their infrastructure
  
• Recovery expected to cost $1 billion
  
• The total population affected by the floods is around 3.5 million which represents 27% of the total population
  
• 315,000 persons have been directly affected, and 16,000 persons have been displaced to shelters
  
• Among the displaced are 8,000 children and adolescents who are at risk of exposure to diseases, abuse or exploitation, and have limited access to food, safe drinking water, and essential medicines

The effects of the rains include; overflowing rivers, submerged crops, destruction of fields and houses, displacements, and starvation of animals. Schools and churches are being used as temporary shelters. There is a high risk of an outbreak of diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections, skin diseases, leptospirosis, and snake bites.

It is believed that the situation will get worse before it gets better. Ecuador is still in the middle of the rainy season which can last up to April. The rains continue to fall, and waters are rising as much as 7 to 8 inches a day.

We have had OMS Missionaries travel through this area, and many houses are isolated with families having to get around by dugout. Many, possibly hundreds of people are seen along the road looking for handouts to buy water, food, and clothes. This is also an area where we have several churches, and OMS has a project set-up to help with this effort. Please pray for those that have been affected by these devistating rains.

The OMS-affiliated church association (AIEE) will be sending out supplies later this month. If you would like to help with this desperate need, you may send your donations to:

. . . . OMS International, Inc.,
. . . . P.O. Box 1648
. . . . Monument, CO 80132-1648

Please indicate you wish to donate to project "Ecuador Flood Relief" ECD #402070

Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy