Thailand
(MNN) — While the floodwaters in Thailand are finally receding, the Prime
Minister warns that the high water may last until next year.
Government reports indicate that the death toll of Thailand's
worst flooding in at least five decades was 564. People are slowly coming back after a
mandatory evacuation hit 1/3 of Bangkok's districts. The rains put 700,000 people out of work and
caused billions in damage.
Thailand
has seen about 3.8 million acres of farmland inundated, forcing the government
to cut its estimate for this year's main crop by 24%. This week, the United States announced a $10
million aid package to help get the country back on its feet.
The disaster has hit many ministries in the region. AMG Thailand has two childcare centers in central
Thailand: Living Stream and Bright Home. While both stayed dry, survivors in the
community need food, medicine, rain boots or similar shoes to protect their
feet, and small flat-bottom boats for transportation.
AMG's
missionary in Chiang Mai, Ron Hamme, says, "As for our child-care centers in
Nan and Museekee (northern Thailand), they are NOT flooded. Earlier
flooding in Nan did wipe out the electricity to Camp Joy and the Joy Youth
Development Center for about two months, but they are again with power. "
AMG National Director in Thailand, Chowkee
Zaw Min, lives in Bangkok and reports: "By the Grace of God, [at] this time, the office, our homes, and
all of the AMG childcare centers ARE SAFE. However, the only childcare
center in Bangkok (most of the AMG childcare centers in Thailand are in the
mountains or highlands in Northern Thailand), Baan Sang Khom (with 35 AMG-sponsored
children), will probably be affected because it is near the sea."
Chowke has been
in constant communication with the Baan Sang Khom project director. The ministry not only sent funds but also
made plans for evacuation, temporary housing, and emergency supplies for the
families." The team also bought
several small boats for the center, so people can move around and get help from
the government and others that are providing relief.
The Thailand flooding provided yet another opportunity for AMG to share the compassion of Christ by meeting physical as well
as spiritual needs in areas where AMG had already been working for years.
AMG is asking for funding help in order to continue to respond to these
needs and to show the love of Christ to people who need recovery assistance.
