Presbyterian Church in Ireland - Mission Overseas - MALAWI: CCAP appeals for help for victims of the Karonga earthquakes

23rd December 2009

The Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) is appealing to its international partners to help fund emergency aid and rebuilding following a series of major earthquakes in the Karonga District.

Since 7th December, Karonga District in Northern Malawi has been seriously affected by a number of earthquakes registering up to 6.0 on the Richter scale. The most recent occurred last Sunday (20th), at 2.15 am in the early morning. 

As a consequence, the infrastructure has been severely affected and there’s been widespread damage to peoples’ homes, schools, churches and other buildings.

People have been evacuated from areas where large cracks have developed and hot and dirty waste is erupting from the ground.

Metrological and Geologist experts warn of major health hazards as a result of these eruptions.

Reporting on the latest quake, Diane Cusick says: “... three people have been killed ... and about 300+ taken to hospital, some with major injuries.” 

In all, it is reported that almost 1,000 homes have been destroyed and over 3,500 more have been damaged, while it is estimate that over 16,000 people are in immediate need of emergency assistance.

Karonga comes within the Livingstonia Synod area of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP).

The Synod’s Emergency & Development Departmentestimates that some £610,000/€682,000 is needed to meet the cost of providing emergency aid and for the repair or rebuilding of damaged buildings in the area.

It is appealing to its international partners to help them meet this significant cost.

The Mission Overseas Office in Church House is receiving donations towards the CCAP’s relief efforts.Cheques should made payable to ‘The Presbyterian Church in Ireland’ and clearly marked Malawi Earthquake Relief.

Please note that Church House is closed from Thursday, 24th December for the Christmas and New Year holidays, and will reopen again on Monday, 4th January 2010.