CWM

New Zealand churches urge prayers for flood victims

Thursday, 05 February 2009 17:50

Churches in New Zealand have urged Christians worldwide to pray for victims hit by the worst floods to hit Fiji in decades, Christian Today reported on 2 February.

Around 9,000 people remain displaced from their homes and 11 people have died in the floods.

Many victims are staying in churches and more than 130 emergency shelters that have been set up across the Fiji.

The flooding has caused tens of thousands of pounds worth to Fiji's sugar farms, while bridges and roads have been damaged or completely destroyed. Many places, particularly in the worst-hit western region, remain without power or clean water.

There are also concerns that the slow retreat of the waters could trigger an outbreak of diseases like malaria and dengue fever.

Archbishop Brown Turei, Bishop of Aotearoa said: "We encourage Christian communities everywhere to join in prayer each day for those most affected by this disaster."