August 14, 2006
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Recovery has begun in and around El Paso, TX after over 15 inches of rain flooded the area and caused mudslides and falling rocks. The amount of rain that has fallen this month is equal to more than twice the annual average for the region. Over 1500 homes have been damaged or destroyed. A Federal disaster declaration has not been made to this point.
The majority of the reported damage was in the western portion of the city where homes and businesses are closely bordered by the Rio Grande. It was in this portion of town where water rose most quickly, washing out several roads. Rains continued to fall after the initial flooding, making it difficult for full-fledged clean up and recovery.
At one point, there were threats that an earthen dam might break in Juarez, Mexico, directly across the river from El Paso, which could have seriously affected downtown El Paso. According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have assured city officials that none of the city’s drainage systems, dams or reservoirs failed.
Border Interfaith, an Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) network, has been doing initial assessments and organizing clean-up efforts. Peace Lutheran (ELCA) and Shepherd of the Valley (ELCA) are both members of this interfaith network.
Lutheran Disaster Response, through local affiliate Lutheran Social Services of the South, is helping to assess the unmet needs in the area. David Yarborough, Senior VP of LSS of the South, reports that damage to Lutheran members’ homes as well as church buildings seems to be minimal and sporadic. Representatives from the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod and the LCMS Rocky Mountain District both visited the area late last week.
As often happens in this sort of disaster, the poor have suffered disproportionately to the rest of the population. It is these most vulnerable members of the community that will require the most help from groups like the Border Interfaith network, and LSS of the South is investigating the resource needs of the group.
My Prayer this day:
O Healer God, you are our strength, you hear our distress.
God of hope, you reveal wholeness to us when we are broken, and our burdens are heavy.
We turn to you, O God, for comfort.
Lead us in your ways, O God, and bring us your healing touch. Amen.
In service,
Heather L. Feltman
Executive Director, Lutheran Disaster Response
Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
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