When Disaster Strikes
Wars, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, and earthquakes — natural or man-made disasters can strike anywhere at anytime. Operation Blessing disaster relief teams partnering with CBN WorldReach are one of the first-responders on the scene to provide lifesaving medical care, food, water, and more to victims. They are also one of the last to leave, initiating long-term recovery programs until devastated communities can thrive on their own.
Disasters wreak havoc in the lives of people and communities as they churn their stormy course. They are hard to anticipate or withstand by even the most vigilant, let alone poor areas where living itself is a chore. In the last decade, 4,777 natural disasters killed over 880,000 people; destroyed countless homes; damaged health or devastated livelihoods of about two billion people. Economic losses surpass $685 billion around the world. (Living With Risk, 2002).
Even though their occurrences seem haphazard and surprising, there are a few certainties: more disasters will happen, aid will be needed promptly. With your help CBN Worldreach and Operation Blessing can respond.
What We Do
The strategic locations of our WorldReach regional centers around the world make it possible to mobilize teams quickly. From these bases, Operation Blessing is able to be a first-responder when disaster strikes around the globe. We’ve been there for tsunami victims in India, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka; famine victims in Niger; flood victims in China and India; mudslide victims in the Philippines; and the list continues.
In the aftermath of disasters, quick appraisal of critical needs and speedy response are crucial. Operation Blessing works along side the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other agencies to get information from the scene almost as soon as it happens. We then acquire and move the most needed supplies to the scene—often within hours of the disaster. Partnering organizations, churches and local community leaders within a close distance to disaster zones often help in the distribution of relief items.
Our commitment to provide disaster assistance often occurs in two phases: 1) immediate relief including health needs of victims, food distribution, materials such as utensils, blankets, and hygiene-kits; and 2) long-term development where we solve problems of the long-term effects on victims such as livelihood food sources.
Every disaster is unique -- the type, location, severity, and surrounding resource availability all enter the equation. Being prepared for the unexpected and responding quickly in times of emergency are crucial. With your help we can be at the right time with the right kind of aid.
You Can Bring Relief
You can join us in speeding aid and bringing peace to people whose world is taken by storm.
Gifts as small as $10 can provide personal hygiene kits to people who have lost homes and belongings.
Donations of $45 can secure tents for families forces to flee their villages due to floods or fighting—many were given to Afghan families just last year.
Hot meals can be provided for 100 hungry refugees for $100.
Whatever the need, with your help we can be there to bring peace after the storm. To join us and be a part of sharing God’s hope and love, call 1-800-759-0700 or make an online donation.
