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Josephine Cedillo (center), staff at the UMCOR Disaster Management Office in the Philippines, views the progress of rebuilding in an informal settlement in the Tondo neighborhood of Manila.
Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News
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On July 4, historic rain levels led to catastrophic flash flooding and hundreds of deaths along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas. In response, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Rio Texas Annual Conference to support immediate relief efforts. The grant provides relief to those impacted through Early Response Team deployment, debris removal, distribution of relief supplies and more.
On June 22, a powerful storm caused major damage in Madison, Oneida and Chenango counties in New York, leading to the deaths of at least three people. In response, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Upper New York Annual Conference to support immediate relief efforts. UMCOR-trained Early Response Team members have given a combined 400 hours toward cleanup efforts. Additionally, the conference is partnering with Amish volunteers to help in the relief activities, and some of the funds will support their transportation.
In late June, several severe weather events, including a microburst and multiple tornadoes, impacted Minnesotans. In response, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Minnesota Annual Conference to support immediate relief efforts.
In mid-June, severe flooding impacted Ohio and Marion counties in West Virginia, leading to the deaths of eight people. In response, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the West Virginia Annual Conference to support immediate relief efforts.
In late May, severe weather impacted states like Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin. UMCOR awarded grants to the Great Plains and Kentucky annual conferences to support immediate relief efforts, including Early Response Team deployment, debris removal, distribution of relief supplies and more.
In mid-May, severe flooding impacted Allegany and Garrett counties in Maryland, prompting multiple emergency rescues. In response, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference to support immediate relief efforts.
In April, severe flooding caused by historic rainfall impacted eastern Kentucky. In response, UMCOR awarded solidarity grants to the Kentucky and Tennessee-Western Kentucky annual conferences to support immediate relief efforts.
As those impacted begin the long road to recovery, UMCOR is providing additional support through a recovery grant to the Kentucky Annual Conference. The funds will provide disaster case management for survivors, as well as the necessary resources for materials and labor to rebuild homes.
On March 27 and 28, severe flooding impacted southern Texas, inundating some areas with half a year’s worth of rain and leading to the deaths of at least 4 people. In response, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Rio Texas Annual Conference to support immediate relief efforts.
In mid-March, a “monster” storm system impacted the Central U.S. In Northern Illinois, at least four tornadoes and heavy winds impacted the region, while in Oklahoma, heavy winds fueled wildfires across the state. In response, UMCOR awarded solidarity grants to the Oklahoma and Northern Illinois annual conferences to support immediate relief efforts. In June, UMCOR awarded an additional recovery grant to the Oklahoma Annual Conference to provide long-term support for survivors of the tornadoes in the state.
In March, severe flooding impacted southern Oregon. In response, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference to support immediate relief efforts.
In mid-February, extreme rainfall hit the Southeastern U.S., impacting millions and leading to the deaths of nine people. In response, UMCOR awarded solidarity grants to the West Virginia and Holston annual conferences, facilitated the mobilization of Early Response Teams in the West Virginia, Tennessee-Western Kentucky, Central Appalachian Missionary, and Kentucky annual conferences, and distributed relief supplies from the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot.
On January 7, strong Santa Ana winds in Los Angeles caused wildfires to spread rapidly in multiple communities. Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed, as well as multiple local United Methodist churches. UMCOR awarded two solidarity grants to the California-Pacific Annual Conference to support their immediate relief efforts. This included evacuee support like food and essential supplies as well as support for volunteer efforts and other relief activities. In June 2025, UMCOR awarded an additional recovery grant to the California-Pacific Annual Conference, which will fund disaster case managers for survivors of the 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires.
Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the southeastern U.S., bringing catastrophic wind, rain and flash flooding to many states and communities. In response, UMCOR is coordinating with affected annual conferences and supporting their local relief efforts. UMCOR has awarded solidarity grants to the North Georgia, South Georgia, Western North Carolina and Holston annual conferences. Additionally, UMCOR-trained Early Response Teams (ERTs) are coordinating efforts to support the removal of debris, tarping of roofs, and cleaning out of homes in hard-hit areas.
UMCOR has awarded a solidarity grant to REHACE in Puerto Rico in response to the storm’s devastation.
After making landfall in Florida on Aug. 5 and traveling up the U.S. coast, this storm brought historic amounts of rainfall and flooding. UMCOR has awarded a solidarity grant to the Florida, South Georgia and Upper New York conferences and is coordinating with disaster response ministries in other affected conferences.
UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Pacific Northwest Conference to support initial response efforts to widespread wildfire in Washington and Idaho.
Following the storm’s July 8 landfall in Texas that brought wind and flooding, UMCOR is providing support for immediate relief efforts through four emergency grants to the Texas Annual Conference. As the storm traveled through the U.S., it continued to bring heavy rain and flooding to other states and regions. UMCOR is also supporting relief efforts in Vermont with a solidarity grant.
Following the April 19 outbreak of 18 tornadoes and severe hail storms, the Oklahoma Conference assessed state and local recovery operations and discovered two small communities in McClain and Cleveland counties that have not received attention and need resources for recovery. A large grant in March 2024 will support their efforts to join with other response agencies in a long-term recovery group operating in the counties, while concentrating on the two communities they’ve identified.
In March 2024, the North Georgia Conference received an UMCOR grant to continue recovery operations in Spaulding, Henry and Troupe counties begun in July 2023, when a large grant supported the conference’s initial operations for case management, housing construction and volunteer projects. Six counties experienced severe flooding and tornado damage from January and March 2023 storms.
From July 2022 to April 2023, areas of the Missouri Conference experienced four significant weather events that included severe flooding and tornado destruction. An UMCOR grant in March 2024 will support the Missouri Conference as it focuses efforts to help 30 households in the Baring area, whose residents sustained significant damage to their homes and have not found the resources for repairs or reconstruction.
From late December 2023 through January 2024, several states in the Southeastern U.S. experienced severe storms with tornadoes that left paths of destruction through specific regions. Alabama-West Florida, Western North Carolina and South Carolina Conference disaster response ministries received grants to provide immediate support to people affected by the storms.
On Dec. 9, severe storms and tornados swept through middle Tennessee, killing six people and leaving dozens hospitalized. The storm impacted at least 15 counties, destroying homes and causing extensive damage. UMCOR awarded an emergency grant to the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference to aid initial relief efforts.
On Oct. 25, 18 people were killed and 13 more injured at three different sites by a mass shooter in Lewiston, Maine. A grant to the New England Conference assisted local churches to support the survivors, first responders and community members to recover from this horrendous act of violence.
In September 2022, Typhoon Merbok made landfall across a thousand-mile stretch of Alaska’s western coastline, damaging homes in 23 primarily Native American villages. The Alaska Conference received an initial grant in 2023 for emergency relief, followed by an assessment of needs and resources. After working with FEMA, local village leadership and Mennonite Disaster Services, the conference received a major grant to begin long-term recovery in two Native villages.
In May, this storm brought 145 mph winds and heavy rains, making it the strongest to hit Guam in decades. UMCOR supported the California-Pacific Conference and their disaster response coordinator with early response activities on the island, including a solidarity grant.
In May, a wildfire in Las Tusas, New Mexico, burned about 980 acres, causing the evacuation of 150 families. The New Mexico Conference received a grant to provide relief for the immediate needs of the survivors. In August, UMCOR provided an emergency grant to the California-Pacific Conference for relief and assessment of the disastrous fire in Maui, Hawaii. The Pacific Northwest Conference received a grant for relief efforts in Spokane, Washington, in response to wildfires in August.
In April, Hidalgo and Cameron counties in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas were in the path of a straight-line windstorm and later in May, a tornado. The Rio Texas Conference received an emergency grant to address immediate needs and in September, was approved for a major grant for recovery in a low-income area where more than 400 homes were damaged and are still in need of repair.
In April, more than 300 people of the Chinle Chapter of the Navajo Nation were affected by flooding and run-off that breached a berm designed to deter the path of the water, a result of severe winter storms. Volunteers from the Desert-Southwest Conference have been working with the Navajo village to provide repairs. An UMCOR grant approved in September supports home repairs as well as repair of damaged plumbing and septic systems in affected households.
On March 24, a powerful tornado traveled at least 170 miles, killing more than 25 people, injuring hundreds and causing damage primarily in Mississippi. The supercell that produced this deadly twister also appeared to produce tornadoes causing damage in northwest and north-central Alabama and then Georgia.
UMCOR awarded grants to the Mississippi and Arkansas conferences as well as to the United Methodist churches of Indiana. It also allowed the North Alabama Conference to use unused funds previously awarded to address the current disaster.
Over the Christmas weekend, Western New York experienced a devastating blizzard. This tragic storm buried the city of Buffalo in over 50 inches of snow and was accompanied by a -30-degree wind chill and 80 mph winds. The disaster took at least 39 lives.
UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Upper New York Conference to support a coordinated response for survivors, including relief supplies. Funds were used to replenish food pantries and support other emergency services.
Beginning in mid-December 2022 and continuing into mid-January 2023, California experienced a continuous series of rainstorms (frequently referred to as “atmospheric rivers”). This comes on top of wildfire damage from the last few years for many areas. As a result, California has had an extensive number of floods, mudslides, landslides and other related damage.
UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the California-Nevada Conference to support a coordinated response for survivors, including relief supplies, debris removal and clean-up efforts. The conference aided several communities, including those in the Sacramento area, focusing on flooded agricultural workers and senior and low-income households.
In late November, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama experienced severe weather and dangerous tornado activity. In Eutaw and Montgomery, Alabama, homes and businesses saw structural damage. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Alabama-West Florida Conference to support families and communities in need of immediate assistance.
Hurricane Nicole made landfall in Florida on November 10 with sustained winds of 75 mph, giving the state two landfalling hurricanes (along with Ian) in one year for the first time since 2005.
In response to the needs of survivors in multiple coastal communities, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Florida Conference to support their local relief efforts.
Hurricane Ian came through western Cuba to make landfall in Florida as a catastrophic category 4 storm on September 28. Whole cities and communities were devastated in Florida and the storm continued to bring heavy rain, wind and flooding up the east coast of the U.S., affecting numerous states.
The Florida Annual Conference received a solidarity grant from UMCOR to address the immediate needs of survivors and deploy supplies. In South Carolina, Ian was the first hurricane to make landfall in nearly six years and UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the conference to help address immediate needs.
In Florida, an UMCOR consultant will provide assistance with planning and logistics and a program manager is working on the development of a short-term relief grant while a long-term recovery program is developed. In South Carolina, UMCOR will assist with the development of long-term recovery grants.
Flash flooding brought severe damage to Chattooga and Floyd Counties in Georgia in early September. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the North Georgia Conference to assist in local relief efforts.
Hurricane Fiona, the first major hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, caused catastrophic damage in Puerto Rico and brought torrential rains to the Dominican Republic in mid-September. It left millions without power and running water for weeks. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to help address immediate needs.
In late August, the people of Jackson, Mississippi experienced flooding and a water system emergency. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Mississippi Conference to provide access to safe drinking water for those affected.
In late July, Kentucky and other parts of Appalachia experienced devastating flooding resulting in the loss of life and property. In response, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Kentucky Annual Conference and delivered nearly 3,000 kits during the first week of the disaster. In coordination with the conference disaster response coordinator, UMCOR-trained Early Response Teams (ERT) deployed to the affected areas.
In December 2022, the Kentucky Annual Conference received a significant grant from UMCOR to set up initial operations for long-term relief and recovery with the Kentucky and Central Appalachian Missionary (Red Bird) conferences. In September 2023, the Kentucky Conference received a second significant grant to continue recovery projects such as home repairs and rebuilding, case management and relocation for those who could not rebuild.
Severe weather and tornadoes touched down in many regions of the U.S. during the spring and summer months. UMCOR awarded solidarity grants to the above conferences to support immediate response to the damage and to meet the needs of survivors.
On January 16, several rotations touched down and caused significant damage to residential and commercial properties, displacing roughly 300 people. UMCOR awarded an initial solidarity grant and is financially supporting the Florida Conference in a 2-year recovery project that will focus on home repair and case management.
On December 30, a fire rapidly spread through Boulder County, Colorado, that consumed over 6,000 acres and close to 1,000 homes. UMCOR awarded an emergency grant to the Mountain Sky Conference to assist with the immediate needs of evacuees and other survivors of the Marshall Fire. UMCOR followed with a recovery grant in 2022 to provide direct assistance and case management services to households affected by the fire.
Following a deadly string of December storms and tornadoes, UMCOR supported conference disaster response coordinators in damage assessment and immediate relief efforts. Initial emergency grants were awarded in Kentucky, Arkansas and Western Tennessee to support local response efforts. UMCOR awarded a substantial recovery grant to the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference in 2022 for volunteer engagement and case management.
In October, multiple tornados and high winds hit the already ravaged areas of Lake Charles and southern Louisiana. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Louisiana Conference to support their meeting of urgent needs such as food and shelter and to support volunteer efforts, initial case work and other relief activities.
Category 4 Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana on August 29, the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and continued to bring destruction along the east coast. UMCOR awarded initial solidarity grants to the Louisiana, Mississippi, Greater New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, New York and Susquehanna conferences. It awarded a recovery grant to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference for case management and construction management.
UMCOR awarded an emergency grant to the Western North Carolina Annual Conference to assist their relief efforts after flooding from Tropical Storm Fred devastated many parts of the state.
On June 25 – 26, widespread rain fell in Metro Detroit. Some areas experienced 6-8 inches of rain resulting in major flooding. UMCOR awarded a grant to support disaster case managers in their work of meeting unmet needs of survivors and continued its support in 2022 with a large recovery grant.
A group of 11 tornadoes moved across Alabama in March, causing death and destruction in four counties. An UMCOR recovery grant is providing case management and construction services in the Alabama-West Florida Conference.
In response to the storms that hit the U.S. Gulf Coast in September, UMCOR awarded a grant to the Alabama-West Florida Conference to provide emergency needs in evacuee support, relief supplies and materials distribution. To support long-term recovery, UMCOR awarded two substantial grants to help fund repair and reconstruction of damaged households as well as case management. The Mississippi Conference received a recovery grant for assistance in getting homes dry to eliminate extended damage.
UMCOR awarded grants to the Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi conferences to meet immediate needs for the devastation brought on by the August 27 Category 4 storm. The strongest to ever hit the Louisiana coast, UMCOR-trained early response teams deployed in the affected areas and cleaning kits, supplies and PPE for volunteers were distributed. UMCOR is funding and supporting case management for long-term recovery.
UMCOR awarded grants to the Pacific-Northwest, California-Nevada and Oregon-Idaho Conferences to support local response efforts to massive and prolonged wildfire spread in the summer and fall of 2020. UMCOR hygiene, cleaning and school kits were distributed to affected communities and a long-term recovery grant was awarded to the Pacific-Northwest Conference that includes case management training.
UMCOR awarded grants to the North Carolina and South Carolina annual conferences to support response efforts. Recovery grants were approved in the amounts of $825,050 for South Carolina and $1,428,000 for North Carolina to support vital survivor services, including disaster case management, reconstruction and volunteer coordination. In both conferences, recovery programs were launched in January 2019. UMCOR supported with training and consultation.
UMCOR supported the California-Pacific and California-Nevada Conferences as they responded to the needs of those affected by the devastating wildfires of 2017 and 2018. Grants were awarded totaling over $1.5 million for response and recovery ministries.
UMCOR worked closely with the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico to develop a comprehensive recovery plan. This included support for disaster case management, direct assistance, volunteer coordination, materials and supplies, and contracted construction services in 25 municipalities throughout the island. UMCOR awarded grants and relief supplies totaling over $20 million.
UMCOR awarded $9.1 million to the Florida Conference to support its comprehensive recovery program, aiding the recovery of more than 10,000 survivors.
UMCOR awarded partners in Texas and Louisiana grants totaling over $13.8 million to aid in the recovery of more than 12,000 survivors.
Since late June, over 650 lives have been lost due to relentless rains, with 351 lives lost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the past 72 hours alone. Entire villages have been swept away, infrastructure is crippled, and thousands are displaced.
In response, we awarded a solidarity grant to our regional partner, Community World Service Asia (CWSA). This grant will provide urgent relief and build resilience among 100 flood-affected households in Hunza and Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, through the distribution of emergency relief kits, the establishment of community-managed emergency funds, and the creation of a “Garden of Hope” to promote psychosocial recovery and environmental sustainability.
In Haiti, escalating violence, frequent natural disasters and cuts to international humanitarian aid have left at-risk communities more vulnerable than ever. Through grants to local partners in the country, UMCOR is continuing to provide women, children and families with health care, counseling services, food and shelter needs, and more.
From mid to late July, the Philippines experienced back-to-back typhoons, leading to the deaths of at least 31 people and displacing millions. In response, UMCOR awarded solidarity grants to the Manila and Baguio episcopal areas of The United Methodist Church to support their immediate relief efforts, which include the distribution of essential supplies and food to those impacted.
Since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, UMCOR has acted on behalf of The United Methodist Church to provide aid and assistance. Grants for immediate relief have been given to trusted partners – United Methodist churches in surrounding countries, ecumenical partners and non-governmental organizations – to provide direct aid inside Ukraine as well as help for those who have fled to surrounding countries.
In April, severe flooding left many residents of Kinshasa without food, shelter, clean water and basic healthcare. In response, Global Ministries and UMCOR have awarded grants to the Central Congo Episcopal Area to support the distribution of food and provide medication and hygiene items to vulnerable households and individuals.
On March 28, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, leading to the deaths of at least 1,644 people. In response, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Methodist Church of Lower Myanmar to support their relief efforts. In May 2025, UMCOR awarded a recovery grant to partner ACT Alliance to provide additional relief and humanitarian aid to those impacted by the earthquake.
UMCOR has issued grants to local conferences to provide food, non-food supplies and hygiene products for the tens of thousands of people forced to flee their homes due to fighting in the country, including the city of Goma.
Read this UM News story about the church’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Congo.
In January, an escalation in fighting between the M23 rebel group and government forces displaced, injured and endangered hundreds of thousands of civilians in the city of Goma. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the East Congo Episcopal Area to support immediate needs of the displaced.
UMCOR has awarded solidarity grants for emergency relief following the July 2024 Typhoon Carina, the Southwest Monsoon, and the Bataan oil spill.
After the storm’s devastation in the Caribbean in early July, UMCOR is coordinating with partners in the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) to support relief efforts. UMCOR has awarded solidarity grants to three MCCA districts: Jamaica, Haiti and Southern Caribbean.
An UMCOR partnership with the Methodist Church in Kenya is providing emergency food for more than 8,000 people suffering from food insecurity because of severe flooding that displaced thousands of people, damaging homes, sanitation facilities, schools and farms.
Support for the Central Congo Annual Conference, which is working on a recovery program for Congolese expats returning from Angola who have resettled in Kananga. Distribution of agricultural tools, seeds, and materials to build shelters for 50 households, benefitting nearly 5,000 people.
On Saturday, Oct.7, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake devastated Afghanistan, killing nearly 3,000 people and displacing thousands. Powerful aftershocks caused more destruction. UMCOR has supported a long-time partner with two grants, one for emergency food and non-food items and a second to primarily provide secure and hygienic shelter that includes access to water and sanitation facilities as well as WASH education for affected communities.
Hurricane Otis made landfall near Acapulco, Mexico as a Category 5 hurricane. UMCOR supported emergency efforts with the Methodist Church of Mexico Southeast Region for essential supplies and other humanitarian necessities.
Since this conflict began in October 2023, the need in Gaza remains overwhelming.
UMCOR is actively responding to the humanitarian crisis by awarding grants to local partners in Israel, Gaza and the surrounding region. Partners are using funds for relocation support; food and hygiene kits for internally displaced people; support of students and their continued learning; psychosocial treatment and trauma counseling to women and children; delivery of medical supplies and medicines; and telemedicine services for disabled children in need of follow-up care, but without safe access to a clinic.
In early October, Global Ministries issued a joint statement on the attacks with the World Methodist Council and the Methodist Church in the United Kingdom. On Friday, Nov. 11, The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church issued a call for peace. On Monday, Nov. 13, Global Ministries General Secretary Roland Fernandes joined Churches for Middle East Peace and thirty American Christian leaders in calling for support of an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation and restraint by all involved.
On September 11, torrential rains from Storm/Cyclone Daniel and the collapse of two dams produced catastrophic flooding in Libya, washing whole neighborhoods into the Mediterranean Sea. Tens of thousands of people were swept away by the floodwater and thousands more are still missing. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to partner International Blue Crescent (IBC) to assist with emergency relief.
A devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook Morocco on September 8, killing more than 2,000 people and injuring thousands more. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to partner Muslim Aid to mobilize relief for those lacking basic necessities of food, water and shelter. A second grant early in 2024 continues the effort to provide emergency relief as needed, intermediate shelter, WASH facilities, fire safety, disaster risk reduction training and psycho-social support for three communities in Al Haouz.
East Congo Episcopal Area is responding to a terrible fire in the Malicha IDP Camp in Fizi, DRC, where people displaced by armed conflict gathered for safety. In this camp with a population of 45,000, 930 shelters were lost. Food and hygiene products were distributed and fire-safety education was offered.
In early June, torrential rains caused widespread flooding that killed dozens and displaced more than 13,000 people. UMCOR communicated with local partners and awarded a solidarity grant to the Eglise Methodiste d’Haiti to provide cash assistance in order for people to receive urgently needed cleaning supplies and non-food items (NFI) such as mattresses, cooking/eating materials and hygiene items.
Relief in response to severe storms for three communities in North Katanga through the North Katanga Disaster Management Office. A grant will support the distribution of food, building of supplies and hygiene items. Torrential rains in Bukama and Malemba Nkulu territories caused major flooding that displaced around 6,000 households and brought significant damage to school, health and commercial buildings and places of religious worship. An UMCOR grant is helping to serve vulnerable households with food, clothing and household items as well as provide the Bukama health center with medications and supplies to treat patients suffering from water-borne disease.
This cyclone in May was called one of the strongest storms to ever hit Myanmar with hundreds feared dead. Rohingha refugees along the border in Bangladesh also experienced losses. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Bangladesh Methodist Church for emergency relief for Saint Martin Island.
UMCOR coordinated with partners to respond to several humanitarian crises in the Republic of Sudan, where political factions wage armed conflict, and the separate country of South Sudan, where drought and acute famine are widespread. One grant will serve 600 South Sudanese returnees and Sudanese refugees with food, mosquito nets and water filters. Another, in partnership with Water is Basic and Women’s Empowerment Solutions Initiative (WESI), distributed food, mosquito netting and water filters to South Sudanese returning from Sudan.
The UMC in Kenya is providing relief and recovery to vulnerable households, many headed by women, in the Budalani area. A grant supported immediate food and sanitation product distribution, repair of damaged latrines, sanitary kits for girls, and the training of community health volunteers.
On March 4, a violent tornado demolished the village of Zokolilié. The religious, education and sanitary buildings did not escape the wind and water and electricity were not available. An UMCOR grant is supporting the recovery with construction materials to rehabilitate 50 homes and essential community buildings.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on February 6, the most powerful earthquake recorded since 1939. At least 78 aftershocks were reported, followed by a second earthquake of 7.5 magnitude. Tens of thousands of people were killed. The earthquake also heavily impacted northwest Syria, where 4.1 million people depend on humanitarian assistance.
UMCOR awarded initial emergency grants to longstanding partners International Blue Crescent (IBC) and Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue (working in Syria) to help provide tents, heaters, blankets, warm clothes, ready-to-eat meals and first aid kits to those who have been displaced. UMCOR then awarded a relief grant to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to support approximately 300 displaced households in Aleppo, Hama, and Lattakia governorates, Syria, with family hygiene kits, food and rent assistance.
Cyclone Freddy, which hit the coast on Feb. 4, was both the longest-lasting and most powerful tropical cyclone ever recorded worldwide. Over a five-week period, it made landfall twice and caused more than 700 deaths in five countries. UMCOR responded by awarding grants for emergency rations and hygiene supplies to hard-hit areas of Madagascar, Mozambique and Malawi. A separate grant to the UMC Malawi contributes to the livelihood recovery and wellbeing of vulnerable households in three cyclone-affected communities through the provision of farm irrigation systems, accessible to 600 farmers, and livestock for 300 households.
Tropical Storm Nalgae (local name Paeng) made landfall on October 29. More than 4 million people were affected in all 17 regions of the country. Tropical Storm Nalgae brought major flooding, landslides and falling of trees. UMCOR awarded solidarity grants to support the efforts of disaster management offices in the Manila, Davao and Baguio Episcopal Areas.
The storm changed from a tropical storm to a super typhoon in less than 24 hours as it swept through Central Luzon on September 25 and 26. The typhoon caused floods and damaged houses and roads, tore down power lines, destroyed trees and devastated crops. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Manila Episcopal Area which enabled them to assess the situation, operationalize their response and determine appropriate assistance to meet the most urgent human needs.
A strong earthquake hit the northern Philippines in late July. Many people were killed and injured, and nearly 50,000 were displaced. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the Baguio Episcopal Area to support food, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as shelter and non-food items for vulnerable households.
Severe and widespread flooding killed thousands of people and left millions displaced, the worst natural disaster in Pakistan in decades. Working closely with partners in the region, UMCOR awarded two solidarity grants to help people meet basic needs with food and hygiene kits in Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh provinces.
Brought on by the underwater eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano on January 15, a tsunami in Tonga produced widespread flooding, falling ash and strong fumes, and led to the displacement of many people. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to help provide transportation of relief supplies to Tonga that were mobilized by a Tongan community in Southern California.
Super Typhoon Rai struck with unpredicted force in mid-December, causing the death and displacement of hundreds of people. The storm toppled structures and caused severe flooding and landslides. UMCOR provided emergency assistance [https://umcmission.org/um-news/filipino-churches-step-up-after-super-typhoon/] to address immediate needs in areas most damaged by the typhoon and will continue to support the Disaster Management Offices through long-term recovery.
UMCOR awarded grants to the Methodist Church of Kenya and the Methodist Church Madagascar for emergency food rations to help meet the basic needs of thousands of vulnerable families affected by the ongoing drought.
Following a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake on August 14, and Tropical Storm Grace which dumped 10 inches of rain on Haiti just two days later, UMCOR worked with partners to meet the immediate needs of survivors [https://umcmission.org/news-statements/umcor-issues-first-grants-for-haiti-relief/], addressing healthcare, food, water and hygiene. It continues to offer humanitarian assistance by offering cash assistance and targeting food insecurity [https://umcmission.org/story/recent-grants-continue-recovery-efforts-in-haiti/]. 10 grants have been awarded in total.
In response to unrest and uncertainty in Afghanistan, UMCOR worked with long-standing partners in the region to provide humanitarian relief [https://umcmission.org/news-statements/umcor-supports-afghans-in-need/] and assist with refugee resettlement. UMCOR supported displaced families residing in the Kabul area with cash assistance, enabling them to prioritize their most urgent needs such as food, shelter, or medicine. UMCOR continues to support the efforts of International Blue Crescent in Kunduz and Mazar-i-Sharif, providing food rations and hygiene kits to displaced families.
Henan Province was hit by storms since mid-July, causing widespread flooding. An estimated one million hectares of agricultural lands and infrastructure were impacted and more than 300 people died. UMCOR awarded a grant to a partner in support of immediate human needs.
Tensions have risen and violence has increased significantly in the eastern provinces of Congo since October 2020. Armed groups have targeted civilians and displaced populations in the region. In response, UMCOR has provided multiple grants in support of those affected, supplying food and other basic necessities for thousands of vulnerable households.
After the eruption of Mt. Nyiragongo in East Congo near the city of Goma on May 22, UMCOR worked with the disaster management office of the East Congo Episcopal Area and awarded a solidarity grant to support immediate needs [https://www.umnews.org/en/news/volcano-eruption-in-congo-hits-church-homes]. An additional grant [https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-helps-children-orphaned-by-volcano] was awarded in August that furnished a one-month supply of food, non-food and hygiene items for 4,600 individuals.
On January 23, Cyclone Eloise made landfall in Mozambique, bringing torrential rain and severe flooding to the coast. The storm hit areas already devastated by Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in March and April 2019. The Mozambique Episcopal Area Disaster Management Office was awarded a grant for immediate emergency assistance [https://www.umnews.org/en/news/amid-political-unrest-cyclones-plague-mozambique] to address basic human needs such as food, hygiene and temporary shelter.
Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda
UMCOR awarded a recovery grant in support of vulnerable female-headed households in Abidjan, leveraging cash assistance to finance income-generating activities and offering educational workshops for women who lost a spouse and/or children in the pandemic. In Uganda, a recovery grant addressed the basic needs of households affected by poverty and malnutrition exacerbated by the onset of the pandemic and reduced food insecurity through the distribution of small farming tools and education on sustainable farming practices.
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh
UMCOR awarded relief grants [https://umcmission.org/story/global-ministries-support-helps-south-asia-partners-prevent-and-treat-covid-19/] to aid efforts of partners through medical equipment and PPE, information and awareness campaigns, food and livelihood support.
Bahamas
UMCOR awarded a grant to the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas to supplement efforts by the Bahamas government and other organizations to provide food assistance to 130 households.
Syria
UMCOR awarded a grant focused on community resilience by providing 1,000 households with COVID-19 hygiene kits.
In response to these two Category 4 storms that both hit in November, UMCOR funded and worked with partners [https://umcmission.org/story/central-america-still-reeling-from-devastating-2020-hurricanes/] in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala to provide emergency food, building supplies and COVID-19 protection. Grants for Panama and Mexico were also awarded.
After this destructive trio of typhoons hit within three weeks of one another in November, UMCOR awarded four grants to episcopal areas in the Philippines in support of immediate relief efforts such as access to food and water, sanitation and hygiene. The Disaster Management Office of the Manila Episcopal Area was awarded a grant for the distribution of rice and cash assistance to households affected by Typhoon Vamco as well as shelter repair and livelihood recovery.
UMCOR awarded grants [https://umcmission.org/reflection/hope-amid-stunning-devastation/] to The Middle East Council of Churches, the Forum for Development, Culture and Dialogue and the Joint Christian Committee (Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees, Lebanon) in support of their local response to the August 4 explosion. These funds helped to procure and deliver essential food and hygiene supplies, nonfood items such as bedding and cooking supplies, and provide psychosocial support for vulnerable children and adults.
Monsoon rains in July resulted in flooding and landslides in several municipalities across the country. Homes were damaged and hundreds of people died, were injured, or were reported as missing. UMCOR funding provided immediate relief assistance in the form of food kits and hygiene supplies for rural communities.
In late May and early June, Amanda and Cristobal impacted regions across El Salvador. Thousands of hectares of crops were damaged and many structures were destroyed by flooding and landslides. Funding provided assistance through food baskets, medicine and hygiene kits, metal material for roof repair and small stoves to families affected by the storms as well the COVID-19 pandemic.
In partnership with UMCOR, the Philippines Manila Episcopal Area Disaster Management Office identified and distributed food and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs to those displaced by the eruption in mid-January. Continued recovery efforts include working to restore livelihoods for evacuees upon return to their villages.
In September, Dorian’s impact on the Bahamas was severe. UMCOR awarded grants to Bahamas Methodist Habitat (BMH), the Disaster Ministry of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church (BCMC), the Bahamas Turks and Caicos Island Conference (BTCIC) of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA), and IsraAid. These grants provided immediate funding to address basic human needs as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding.
UMCOR awarded grants to the Malawi Provisional Annual Conference, The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe and The United Methodist Church in Mozambique in response to Cyclone Idai and Kenneth’s back-to-back devastating rains and flooding. The grants provided immediate emergency funding for basic human needs including food distribution, hygiene supplies/clothing distribution, safe water access and temporary shelter.
UMCOR awarded a grant to address immediate needs in the most hard-hit provinces of Baguio while the Disaster Management Coordinators in the Philippines continued to work with their communities after Typhoon Mangkhut to assess damages and needs.
