Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency assistance to communities in the Pacific Northwest battered by powerful winter storms that devastated the region last week. High winds and heavy rains damaged homes and agriculture in large areas of the region, leaving at least eight people dead, hundreds in shelters and tens of thousands without power.

The extent of the destruction caused by the rain and winds is severe. The storms produced wind gusts that were equal to those of a Category 1 hurricane.  Receding waters destroyed homes, knocked down trees and washed-out roads in their wake.

The Chehalis/Centralia region of Southwestern Washington suffered the most damage from the storms. The Chehalis River overflowed its banks causing the closure of Interstate 5 between Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon for three days.

Episcopal Relief and Development is working with the Diocese of Olympia to provide flood disaster relief to individuals there who suffered unfortunate losses from the floods. Many people have lost their homes and personal belongings, as well as domestic and farm animals. St. Timothy’s Church is providing emergency assistance outreach to those impacted and in need.

“With the holiday season upon us, there is extra urgency to respond to this emergency quickly,” said Rich Ohlsen, Episcopal Relief and Development’s Director for Domestic Response and Preparedness.  “Working with other faith-based and community-based organizations, we can assist the communities in the rebuilding effort. May we keep the victims in our prayers and help them to enjoy Christmases that are merry and comfortable,” said Ohlsen.

To help people affected by the winter storms in the Pacific Northwest, please make a donation to ERD’s “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.