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Tensions in Sierra Leone Prompt Partial Staff Evacuation
For more than a week now, tensions have been high in Freetown, the Sierra Leone capital.
The tenuous peace since the Lomé Peace Accord of last July rapidly deteriorated and gave way to escalated fighting following last week's withdrawal of ECOMOG, the West African Peacekeeping Force and the subsequent capture of up to 500 United Nations Peacekeepers by rebels with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).
Thousands of civilians have been pouring into Freetown to seek refuge amid reports that RUF forces are advancing on the city from the countryside.
World Vision's national director in Sierra Leone has confirmed that all international staff have evacuated to Conakry in neighboring Guinea.
World Vision's national staff in Sierra Leone have stayed on in more secure areas to continue operations. The operations include the following activities in the southern province:
- School feeding supported by the World Food Program for nearly 12,000 students from 68 schools in the Bonthe District.
- Distribution of seeds and tools, and training in long-term development for farmers.
- Construction of wells.
- Training of village and regional health care agents.
- Flood relief and food distribution to Kwmebai Krim - a district that was recently severely flooded.
Operations have been suspended in the eastern provinces of Kailahum and Kono, pending improvement in the security situation in those areas.
WV's director in Sierra Leone requests prayer for his national staff. These courageous servants are deeply concerned for the future of their country and their own safety, yet they are strong in their assurance of God's protection.
India Drought Affects 50 Million People
Abnormal weather patterns over south Asia have created a severe drought now affecting some 50 million people in three of India's poorest regions. Sweltering heat reaching 118 F and acute food and water shortages have claimed thousands of livestock and now threaten human lives as well.
Based on its recent relief survey of the drought-affected regions, World Vision has targeted the most vulnerable areas for assistance. Water trucks, food for work, fodder distribution, oral rehydration salts, and well drilling are included in the interventions already underway by World Vision to help 25,000 families in 150 villages.
In the hard-hit Marudhara Area Development Project (ADP), World Vision has provided each family with 2,600 gallons of drinking water for their
own health and the survival of their remaining livestock.
In the nearby Disha ADP, World Vision has dug 20 borehole wells, deepened another 10 wells, and supplied 2,600 gallons of drinking water to each family in 10 villages. World Vision staff have also begun providing food for the villagers and fodder for their animals.
So far no humans lives have been lost in the drought, but thousands of cattle have perished. One village chairman pleaded with World Vision for help saying, "Our animals are dying; please do not let this happen to us. Please help us until July."
July typically brings the annual monsoon rains. However, meteorologists are warning that the monsoons may be delayed this year.
World Vision's offices in India have requested $1 million in assistance from World Vision partners around the world.
Please remember the people of India in your prayers.
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