Evacuation in inflatable boats
Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by these disasters, which were caused by significant amounts of monsoon rain. In Indonesia's capital Jakarta, rivers burst their banks and an estimated 100,000 people had to be evacuated, while an estimated 250,000 people were affected by the floods. Jakarta has been affected by flooding in the past and a lot has been done to prevent such situations - the government has even considered moving the capital to a less prone area. People drowned in their basements, were electrocuted and taken by the floodwaters. The Danish European Mission partner had to use rubber boats to evacuate people and provide those in need with food, water, medicine, help with house cleaning and repairs. Mattresses, beds, blankets and pillows will also be distributed after the contaminated sewage water destroyed families' belongings. Several teams of Christian workers are now ready to help those in need with the most urgent relief.
Unusual monsoon rain in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, the monsoon rains were also exceptionally heavy. At present, an estimated 1 million people have been affected, over 50,000 had to stay in evacuation centers, while around 50 have died. Dansk Europamission's partner, who has extensive experience in relief work, distributed relief packs with enough food for a week so that the victims had something to live on.
The persecuted church makes a positive difference in society
Both relief efforts are carried out in communities where Christians experience various forms of persecution. However, persecution does not mean that Christians resign or give up. On the contrary, they choose to make a positive difference for people in need in their communities. Thus, the relief aid went not only to Christians, but mainly to non-Christians. It is exemplary that they engage in society in this way and make a difference - not only in connection with disasters, but also implement development projects for the vulnerable in society and thus have a positive impact on their community. The Danish European Mission implements relief and development projects in a number of countries with grants from DANIDA, administered by the Danish Mission Council Development Department and Civil Society in Development respectively. Emergency relief action in Sri Lanka is supported by the Danish Mission Council's Development Department's emergency aid pool, which is funded by DANIDA. Much more help is needed than we can provide through the DANIDA grant. Join us and lend a helping hand to people in need in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
