Partnering in South Africa to Respond to Devastating Flooding and Winds
Partnering in South Africa to Respond to Devastating Flooding and Winds
Press Release
September 10, 2024
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with HOPE Africa to help families in Western Cape, South Africa who have been impacted by the devastating floods that began in early July.
Approximately 4,500 people have been displaced, and at least 15,000 structures have been damaged as a result of multiple cold fronts bringing heavy rains and winds to Cape Town and surrounding areas. The devastating weather lasted for about a week. Many residents, especially people living in informal settlements and those experiencing poverty, were unprepared for back-to-back cold fronts, making a quick recovery difficult. In addition, other storms this winter have left many without electricity, water or transportation in several towns.
A large portion of people in the impacted area have little education, inconsistent work or no work, and many lack formal housing. During the storms, powerful floods swept away food, clothing, furniture and other items, meaning survivors have to start again from scratch. Together with HOPE Africa, Episcopal Relief & Development is working through local churches to distribute blankets, beanies and sandbags to 200 households so they stay warm while waiting for the government to provide temporary or long-term shelter.
“All around, people–especially those in informal settlements–are feeling physically and emotionally drained. They are cold, hungry and are without a proper place to stay,” shared Canon Delene Mark, CEO, HOPE Africa, adding, “While we may be able to assist with blankets, sandbags and beanies, we are also advocating for social housing, decent and safe living spaces from provincial and national governments.”
Through volunteers from churches, HOPE Africa is able to talk to people, hear their needs and refer them to services including church soup kitchens and public support services.
“We are proud of this response in partnership with HOPE Africa because they are present and active in communities that are the most in need and because this partnership highlights the power of faith institutions,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Senior Program Officer, Episcopal Relief & Development. “The church is far-reaching and impactful. Through grass-roots networks, ministries and government connections, they are able to identify the most in need when disasters strike.”
Please pray for the impacted communities in South Africa as they recover from this disaster and endure a harsh winter. Donations to the International Disaster Fund will help provide emergency and long-term recovery support to survivors of disasters.
For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has worked with an extensive network of faith and community partners to advance lasting change in communities affected by injustice, poverty, disaster and climate change. Inspired by our faith, we reach over three million people each year by focusing on four interconnected priorities: nurturing the potential of caregivers and young children, reducing violence against women and girls, strengthening communities’ resilience to climate change and facilitating humanitarian response to disasters. Together with our partners, we leverage what’s working well to drive impact, learning and sustainability. Together, we create lasting change. Join us: www.episcopalrelief.org/sign-up
