Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) will provide emergency assistance to the people of Dajabón in the Dominican Republic after a tornado swept through the city.
On May 8, Dajabón was struck by a violent tornado that partially damaged or destroyed 255 homes. The tornado also tore down trees, electrical poles and agricultural crops. No lives were lost, but 36 people were injured, according to reports.
“It is absolutely amazing that no one was killed, because many homes have no basements and there is little protection from this type of storm,” said the Rt. Rev. Julio C. Holguín, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic. “The storm struck when many people were working or out-of-doors” said Bishop Holguín.
ERD is working in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic to supply emergency assistance such as food, medication and construction material. Beds, mattresses and kitchen supplies will also be provided.
“During emergencies such as this one, immediate assistance is needed the form of construction materials and medical supplies. ERD is working with the Diocese to provide these urgently needed resources to help the Dominican people to quickly recover from this disaster,” said Matthew St. John, ERD’s Program Associate for Latin America and the Caribbean.
To help people affected by disasters, please make a donation to the “Emergency Relief Fund” online at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Emergency Relief Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) (3) organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. ERD’s programs work toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
