Church of God in Kerala, India Deluged by Flood Waters
David M. Griffis, Director of Church of God World Missions, has issued an emergency appeal for the State of Kerala in India, where the area is experiencing its worst flooding and monsoon disaster in nearly a century.
Extreme flooding has destroyed more than 20,000 homes, 10,000 kilometers of roads, communication systems, and electricity and drinking water distribution. A death toll of over 100 has already been reported, with heavy rain continuing.
C. C. Thomas, Church of God Overseer of Kerala says, “Many of our churches and parsonages across the state are submerged under water making it impossible to conduct worship services. Our people are badly affected—some having lost homes and their belongings—with almost all displaced to relief camps. They are in real need of food supplies, drinking water, medicines and clothes.”
Thomas went on to say that 35 of the 39 dams in Kerala, including the 123-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam, have been opened for the first time in history. Reports included drownings and roads and bridges crumbling under the intensity of the rainfall. Cochin International Airport temporarily suspended flight operations citing rising water. Train services have also been affected. Vehicular traffic has been banned in several parts of the state and tourists have been asked to stay away from the popular destinations in the affected areas.
On August 15, the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert in the entire state of Kerala. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has sent 14 teams to conduct rescue operations across the state where 2,406 villages have been devastated by the monsoon. The Indian Navy has deployed 21 rescue and diving teams and several relief agencies are utilizing facilities at the Church of God’s Mount Zion premises to coordinate rescue operations. A Government Relief Camp has also been opened on the Mount Zion campus.
Dr. Griffis asks for the people of the Church of God to pray for relief for our people and open doors to witness to the power of God. He also asks for financial support so that life-sustaining supplies may be bought nearby and distributed quickly to these devastated areas and people.
“The full extent of damages is yet to be determined,” Griffis stated. “An immediate action of compassion will provide immense relief and peace to those in need.”
To assist with Kerala relief, please visit cogwm.org and reference World Missions Project #765-0036.
