Even as search and rescue efforts continue following last week's devastating earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador, UCC Disaster Ministries has begun its response with grants for relief efforts in Japan and Ecuador.
UCC Disaster Ministries is sending a total of $12,500 for immediate life-saving assistance to survivors of last week's two powerful and deadly earthquakes in Kumamoto prefecture on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu. The quakes killed at least 42 people and displaced tens of thousands.
$10,000 of the initial grant to Japan is being sent care of Church World Service for emergency supplies and volunteer and operations management in Japan. The planned response implemented by CWS and partners will fill gaps in the current response for at least 1,000 families (4,000 individuals). The remaining $2,500 is going as a solidarity grant to the United Church of Christ Japan, which is a joint UCC-Disciples Global Ministries partner.
A massive 7.8 earthquake struck Ecuador April 16, killing at least 350 people, the same week as two powerful and deadly quakes shook southwestern Japan, killing at least 42. Tens of thousands of people are displaced and many remain trapped or missing, and there has been significant damage in both countries. UCC Disaster Ministries has approved a $2,500 solidarity grant to support the earthquake response work of FEDICE ("Faith Says"), a Global Ministries bilateral partner in Ecuador.
Financial contributions can be directed to the UCC's International Emergency Relief Fund.For updates, visit the One Great Hour of Sharing Page on Facebook and the UCC Disaster Ministries website.