Dominican Republic/Haiti (MNN) — Hundreds are feared dead and thousands are homeless after heavy rains pummeled the Island of Hispaniola, home to the countries of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
World Vision’s Kevin Cook is in Haiti and says the situation is dire. “Many people are still missing, well over 1,000. The conservative estimate of the death toll in both countries combined is over 2,000, of whom at last 1,500 are believed to have perished in the flooding here in Haiti where I am currently,” says Cook.
Cook says World Vision was adversely affected by the flooding. “Our vehicle lost control on the road and we lost one of our staff. In the Dominican Republic as the tragedy unfolded and the following two days we learned that about 30 sponsored children were lost in the flooding in and around the town of Jimani.”
World Vision is helping in both nations. Cook says on country is more adversely affected. He says, “Here in Haiti, the situation is probably more desperate, more people affected and very cut off from our efforts to reach them. It’s impossible to get through by road.”
Cook says while World Vision’s primary goal right now is providing physical aid, spiritual aid is also a part of it. “This is part of our ministry to the most oppressed and poor people of the world and we believe we can show God’s love to them and there are many opportunities to share our faith with people.”
You can help World Vision by going to their website at WorldVision.org or calling 1-888-56-child.
