June 23, 2006
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Several days of heavy rain and wind have now caused flooding in large
portions of northern Ohio. The storm system, which also produced heavy
lightning and tornadic activity, has been blamed for at least two
deaths.
Mary Woodward, Lutheran Disaster Response state coordinator, is in
communication with the State Emergency Management Agency and Ohio
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) for information on the
long-term recovery. She has also contacted all three ELCA synod offices
in the state and the LCMS Ohio District office.
At this time, flooding damage has been confirmed at Grace Lutheran
(ELCA) in Toledo, and some flooding may have also occurred at Holy
Trinity (ELCA) in Toledo. No damages have been reported at this time to
any LCMS church buildings in the area.
While a good portion of the news coverage focused on the small town of
Norwalk, St. Peter's Lutheran (ELCA) was clearly outside of the affected
area, and there is hope to organize meetings for a long-term recovery
committee at the church.
In interviews, many local officials have identified this flooding as
some of the worst in decades. However, this storm represents what is
often called a "silent disaster" - the type of event that is disastrous
for those affected, but goes largely unnoticed by those outside of the
impacted communities.
For more information on how you can support the ongoing efforts of
Lutheran Disaster Response, please visit our website at www.ldr.org.
In service,
Heather L. Feltman
Executive Director, Lutheran Disaster Response
Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
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