Episcopal Relief and Development is ready to provide emergency assistance to families impacted by tornadoes in Virginia, flooding in Mississippi and fires in Los Angeles.

At least 200 people were injured by three tornadoes that tore through southeastern Virginia on Monday. The storms damaged homes, upended trees and downed power lines.  Governor Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency for the affected region of Virginia.

After a period of severe drought, nearly a million acres of prime farmland are underwater as the Mississippi River reaches its highest level in 35 years. The flooding began just as farmers were about to harvest a bumper wheat crop and plant corn, soybeans and cotton.  While it is impossible to gauge total agricultural losses at this time, federal and state officials agree that the damage is extensive and the cost will be high.

Wildfires blazing northeast of Los Angeles for the past five days have driven more than 1,000 people from their homes. Unseasonable extreme heat and low humidity allowed the fire -its cause still under investigation- to rage. Cooler temperatures and calmer winds are expected and will help bring the blaze under control.

Episcopal Relief and Development is in touch with dioceses in the affected areas and stands ready to respond once needs are identified.

To help people affected by fires and severe weather in Virginia and Mississippi, please make a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development’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.