Natural disasters cover Asia-Pacific Region

Asia-Pacific Region

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Samoan islands hit by strong earthquake, tsunami

Ulisese Toafa, a native of Samoa and communications graduate of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, reports the nation of Samoa experienced a powerful earthquake early Tuesday morning, September 29, at approximately 6:50 A.M local time. The earthquake, which Toafa states "shook the tiny country," was recorded at 8.3 on the Richter scale.

Toafa, who has served as the South Pacific Field Nazarene Youth International coordinator, reports large waves from a tsunami followed the quake, covering most of the southeast and the southwest portions of Apia. Toafa states many people were killed - including many children - and several people are still missing. Rescue workers continue to search for those who are lost.

Toafa reports houses and church buildings were destroyed by the waves, and many roads remain blocked due to fallen trees, downed electrical posts, and rockslides.

There are no Nazarene churches in the part of the island affected by this disaster, Toafa reports. Also, there have been no reports of Nazarenes hurt or killed in Samoa. Schools are closed and many businesses have temporarily shut down.

According to the Church of the Nazarene's General Secretary's Office, there were 11 Nazarene churches (10 active), a Bible college, and 861 members in Samoa as of 2007.

On Friday, October 2, CNN reported 168 people had lost their lives in Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga due to the tsunami. CNN states around 220,000 people live on the two main islands which make up the nation of Samoa. The population of the U.S. island territory of American Samoa is about 66,000. There is one Nazarene church in American Samoa. No reports of damage to this church have been reported to the field.

According to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, the Church of the Nazarene's Asia-Pacific Region has sent relief and recovery workers to the affected areas.

"Please pray for our country and especially the people who have lost their loved ones because of this disaster," states Toafa.


Indonesia earthquakes claim over 1,000 lives

Two large earthquakes in as many days have claimed at least 1,100 lives in Indonesia, according to reports. That number is expected to rise as many remain missing, trapped under rubble. Hundreds were injured in the disaster. Widespread power and phone outages, and damaged bridges and roadways have hampered relief efforts with accurate information hard to ascertain. Schools, homes, and even hospitals collapsed and people fear further damage from aftershocks.

Worst hit was the West Sumatran capital of Padang, where officials estimate 376 people perished, reported CNN. Buildings in this city of nearly 1 million people were reduced to rubble.

According to the Asia-Pacific Region, "the area most affected has few churches. Pray that believers find ways to minister to those who are suffering."


Typhoon Ondoy Update: Philippines

On September 26, the Philippines was hit by what is now known locally as Typhoon Ondoy. With heavier rains than the country has experienced in forty years, flooding has displaced half a million people and claimed over 200 lives. The capital, Manila, was more than 80 percent covered in water at one point. Meteorologists are predicting a second typhoon hitting later this week, while the country just begins to recover from Ondoy.

Local Nazarene churches and Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary have responded with open arms, sheltering the displaced and distributing Crisis Care Kits, food, and clothing.



For more, see the previously released story, Tropical storm floods missionary homes, seminary campus in Philippines

Join the Relief Effort

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is encouraging individuals and congregations to please prayerfully consider how to join local Nazarenes around the world in ministering in this difficult time. Our Nazarene family in Japan has already donated from reserves, is collecting further donations, and is seeking ways to make a greater impact. Partner with them in prayer and support for our hurting neighbors.

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries can mark their checks "Asia-Pacific Disaster Relief AMC1200" and mail them to the Global Treasury Services, PO Box 843116 Kansas City, MO 64184. 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. To donate online, click here: ncm.org.
--NCN News, NCM

 

< back home

next article >