Source: Orthodox Christian Network
Baltimore, October 6, 2015
Firefighters rescue a child from floodwaters–a scene that has been repeated hundreds of times since devastating floods swept across South Carolina this weekend. IOCC is in contact with Orthodox Church communities in South Carolina and has called on members of the IOCC Emergency Response Network who live in the affected area to prepare to respond as the needs emerge. Photo: City of North Charleston
While the US East coast was spared the destructive force of Hurricane Joaquin reaching land, overwhelming levels of rainfall in its wake have deluged South Carolina. At least 15 people are dead and tens of thousands more people are without shelter, power, or drinking water.
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) has been in contact with Orthodox Church parishes in the most impacted areas of Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Florence, South Carolina, and with ecumenical partners to determine the best response in the aftermath of the record rain and subsequent flooding. Members of the IOCC Emergency Response Network, known as Frontliners, living in the affected area have been called on for possible deployment as the needs emerge.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones to a storm that has claimed lives from the Bahamas up through the Carolinas,” stated IOCC US Country Representative Daniel Christopulos. “We also pray for those who have suffered loss and damage to their homes and businesses and are committed to working with our Orthodox Church and ecumenical partners to do our part in helping those impacted.”
In the Bahamas, IOCC has also been in contact with Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Nassau and is formulating the most effective response to the devastation caused there. Although Nassau and Grand Bahamas islands were unaffected, neighboring islands in the chain are reporting extensive damage.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Assemble emergency kits. IOCC also
anticipates the need for Emergency Clean-Up Buckets
which are in low supply. For directions on how to
assemble Emergency Clean-Up Buckets, please visit
iocc.org/kits.
Make a donation. You can help the victims of disasters in the United States, like the flooding in South Carolina by making a financial gift to the United States Emergency Response Fund, or help Hurricane Joaquin victims in the Bahamas with a gift to the Bahamas Hurricane Relief Fund. Each fund will provide immediate relief as well as long-term support through emergency aid, recovery assistance and other support to help those in need. To make a gift, please visit iocc.org, call toll free at 1-877-803-IOCC FREE (4622), or mail a check or money order payable to IOCC, P.O. Box 17398, Baltimore, MD 21297-0429.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN
CHARITIES
IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the
Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United
States of America. Since its inception in 1992, IOCC has
delivered $534 million in relief and development programs
to families and communities in more than 50 countries.
IOCC is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition
of churches and agencies engaged in development,
humanitarian assistance and advocacy. To learn more about
IOCC, please visit our website at iocc.org.
Media contact: Rada K. Tierney, IOCC Media Relations, 443-823-3489, rtierney@iocc.org
“In the spirit of Christ’s love, IOCC offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond”. IOCC has undertaken significant initiatives to help those in need. Notably 92% of every dollar donated to the IOCC directly helps those affecting dire situations.
