Lutheran World Relief Responds to Devastating Floods in the Philippines

BALTIMORE, Dec. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lutheran World Relief is responding to devastating flooding caused by a tropical storm on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines Friday night. At least 430 people are reported dead, many more are missing, and tens of thousands are affected. The flooding has destroyed homes and crops, including many in areas where LWR has worked for years.

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"The storm had a direct hit on LWR's project area," said Joanne Fairley, LWR's regional director for Asia and the Middle East. "Seaweed farmers were about to harvest for the season, bringing in much needed cash for Christmas. This has been totally destroyed. Many have also lost their homes. The devastation is extensive."

LWR is in contact with local staff and partners on the ground, who are assessing the damage and the needs.

"We plan to help meet some of the most critical immediate needs, and also work to help rehabilitate the farms that have been destroyed," Fairley said.

Cash donations are the most effective way to help those in need. LWR needs to raise $250,000 to respond to this emergency. Donations are accepted online at lwr.org/donate; by phone at 800.597.5972, or by mail at  Lutheran World Relief, P.O. Box 1706 Baltimore, MD 21298-9832, USA.

Gifts will be used to respond to the Philippines Floods until needs there are met. Gifts received after that time will be used where needs are greatest.

Please visit lwr.org/Philippinesfloods for more information about LWR's response as it becomes available.

WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945. Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of U.S. Lutherans, serving communities living in poverty overseas.

SOURCE Lutheran World Relief

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