More than 20,000 people are reported dead in South Asia after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake in the Indian Ocean near Sumatra, Indonesia, triggered a massive Tsunami. The sea wave caused widespread destruction in areas throughout six countries including Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, sweeping away entire villages. Thousands of people are missing and presumed dead. The spread of disease now threatens hundreds of thousands who are homeless. The earthquake was the most powerful in 40 years.

Episcopal Relief and Development is reaching out to affected dioceses in the Church of South India, Church of Ceylon, and other affected areas and will provide emergency assistance such as food, potable water, temporary shelter, and medicine. ERD will remain with affected communities as they begin to recover and assess their long-term needs.

Please pray for families affected by the disaster in South Asia.

To help people affected by the Tsunami in South Asia, donate to the Emergency Relief Fund under “Ways to Give.” Donations can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.