Andhra Pradesh Flood latest

Sorry to hear from Bishop Lawrence that a school I opened in 2008 is now flooded to a depth of ten feet. Unfortunately the picture he sent seems to have become detached from the email — Kurnool picture composite is from UNICEF. Here’s the latest from Anad Raj, relayed through +Colin Fletcher:

I could manage to get hold of Bishop Lawrence this afternoon through. Today the town where he lives is also severe affected by the floods, but the Cathedral, Diocesan Office and Bishop’s House are safe as they are on high ground. He said, most of the town was submerged in the water. At the moment the immediate need for them is food, water, blankets and shelter. Most of the Diocese buildings, including churches, have become public shelters. Water, food and blankets are being distributed by church members. In rural areas some church buildings are completely destroyed and washed away in the floods. After water is receded Bishop will assess the damage and let us know the need. He would certainly need some financial help to reconstruct these churches and to help the poor that are affected by the floods. Meanwhile, he urged us to pray for the lives that they would be safe.

We are looking for a direct relief route to Nandyal / Kurnool through Oxfam or Tear Fund: Should anyone out there know of a way of getting direct emergency relief to those places in paeticular, I’d be delighted to know of it. Please email or comment below. And please continue to hold everyone concerned in your prayers...