Snohomish County Mudslide
On March 22, rain-saturated ground led to a massive mudslide at Oso in Snohomish County, Wash. As of April 2, 28 fatalities were reported, there were 20 persons injured and 22 persons remained missing or unaccounted for. Search and rescue activities continue and FEMA and state damage assessments are ongoing. State Route 530 remains closed.
CWS Response:
CWS disaster response specialists are working with state, regional and local VOADS, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, FEMA and CWS member denominations and other agencies to determine where CWS denominations can help or will be needed. The American Red Cross Snohomish County Chapter in Everett, Wash., has become the unofficial gathering station and may be contacted at 425-252-4103.
CWS will provide material resources, such as CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets, Baby Care Kits, Hygiene Kits and Blankets, if requested.
As the situation moves from immediate search and rescue efforts to long-term recovery work, CWS is ready to respond to requests for training support as well as requests for financial support to get long-term recovery committees organized and operating.
Early Spring Tornado Activity
On March 28, several tornadoes were spotted in Iowa and Missouri. Four homes were reported damaged near Trenton, Mo. There were no deaths or injuries. Survivors were assisted by the American Red Cross and local agencies.
On March 31, tornadoes were reported near St. Leo in Southwest Minnesota. Several structures were damaged.
CWS Response:
CWS disaster response specialists are working with state, regional and local VOADS, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, FEMA and CWS member denominations and other agencies to determine where CWS denominations can help or will be needed.
Housing Complex Fire in Central Pennsylvania
On March 27, 2014, fire destroyed 18 homes and damaged 6 more in the Juniata Terrace Boro, near Lewistown, Pa. These low-income row houses are approximately 100 years old. Two firemen were injured. Immediate aid was provided by the American Red Cross and other local agencies.
CWS Response:
CWS disaster response specialists are working with state, regional and local VOADS, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, FEMA and CWS member denominations and other agencies to determine where CWS denominations can help or will be needed.
CWS is in touch with the community and will respond to requests for training support as well as requests for financial support to get a long-term recovery committee organized and operating.
How to Help
Financial contributions to support CWS emergency response efforts may be made securely online or mailed to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.
During any disaster, including these events, the best help that an individual can provide is cash.
If you want to provide useful material assistance, help keep CWS warehouses stocked with CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets, Hygiene Kits, Baby Care Kits and School Kits. If you have other supplies that you think may be of help, contact a CWS emergency response specialist to see whether the materials can be used and, if so, where.
Church World Service is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.