Title: Lutherans Respond to Flood-Affected Areas in Iowa
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 12, 1999

LUTHERANS RESPOND TO FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS IN IOWA
99-208-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Four counties in northeastern Iowa have been
declared federal disaster sites and seven counties have been declared
state disaster sites after extensive flooding this summer, said the Rev.
Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
     One person died and at least 2,500 houses were affected by the
floods, Furst said.
     "This is the second time this year Iowa has been affected by
record or near-record floods.  In May, flash flooding swept through 13
northeastern counties as eight inches of rain raised the already
overflowing Volga, Crane and Turkey rivers," said Furst.
     Lutheran Disaster Response is providing emergency cash grants to
individuals, many who are without flood insurance.  Damage assessments
continue in many small towns and rural areas.  Furst said local
volunteers are "hard at work" cleaning up mud and debris.  Resources for
children are being distributed, and counselors have been deployed.
     Relief efforts are being coordinated by Lutheran Social Service of
Iowa, ELCA Northeastern Iowa Synod, LCMS Iowa East District and local
Lutheran pastors.
     "We are also working with the Iowa Interfaith Disaster Response
Network, which will respond to unmet needs," said Furst.

===================================
DOMESTIC DISASTERS:

Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to survivors
of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S.
Virgin Islands, please include:

                 Lutheran Disaster Response
                       P.O. Box 71764
                   Chicago, IL  60694-1764
                        800-638-3522



For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html