Australia’s flood crisis continues to elongate to the south-east region, causing at least 30 deaths and hundreds missing. Numerous states have been affected, where tens of thousands of homes have been flooded. Experts estimate that the reconstruction would cost close to 2 billion US dollars.
Several Chinese churches in Australia have initiated fund-raising campaigns for the disaster relief efforts; Brisbane Taiwan Presbyterian Church urges for fund-raising for this serious flooding of Queensland, donating with the heart of love as if you own home has been flooded. Sydney Central Baptist Church has collected donations in this past Sunday Service in order to contribute to the reconstruction efforts of Queensland Baptist Church and the rebuilding the homes of the disaster victims.
Rev. Chow-Wing Chan, director of Chinese Coordination Center of World Evangelism Queensland region, issued a prayer request via CCCOWE Center’s website, “Pray that the Lord can reduce the rain, so the water level can drop within days; pray for the safety of the disaster relief personnel; pray for the church to be able to actively participate in the disaster relief efforts of this once in a century rare flood.”
According to reports, Victoria state residences are racing against the time, for over 40 villages from this state have inundated by the flood water. The Victoria state emergency center spokesman measured that this flood is one that happens once in every 200 years. She said, “We predict that Horsham City will be split into two by the river water and the highways will be cut off.”
Local officials estimate that the crisis of the flood water may continue for a month. The total estimated number of disaster victims will exceed 200,000, where over 50 cities and towns are affected, equaling to the total land of France and Germany combined. The damages exceeded that of the Hurricane Katrina that struck New Orleans, United States, several years ago.
