In the immediate aftermath of the cyclone there was a good response from various NGOs, providing emergency food and shelter and other basic necessities.
Knowing from experience that this problem would have a “long tail”, we didn’t rush to act, apart from intervening in a few particularly urgent cases. Instead, we have been monitoring the situation as it develops in order to discern where the real, long term needs lie, and what our priorities should be in response.
A clearer picture is now emerging. Among the hundreds of volunteers who regularly distribute our Gospel literature, we have been able to identify a significant number who are in varying degrees of hardship. Our brothers on the ground are presently engaged in an exercise to collate detailed information to enable us to prioritise the use of funds at our disposal.
Some of the cases are critical, others serious but less urgent. We are conscious of the need for much wisdom and discernment and appreciate the prayers of God’s people.
We expect the needs assessment to be completed in the next week or so, when we will be in a position to plan our long term response.
We will post a further update shortly.