Magyar Egyház, 1998 (77. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

1998 / 4. szám

2. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ THE “FLOOD OF THE CENTURY” HITS SUBCARPATHIA AND NORTHERN HUNGARY Christian Friends, We have received the following update on the situation in Subcarpathia. The condition is indeed desperate and still getting worse, while the government of Ukraine and the news media stay ignorant. Help must come from our Christian friends from everywhere. We are told that the immediate need for clothing and food is being met by help coming primarily from Hungary, but the problems of food for the winter, medicine and especially housing will continue for a long time, and will require a great deal of financial help. Please remember this cause personally and in your churches. I just returned from touring, photographing and visiting with people in the village of Vari, that was devastated by flooding this weekend. In this village alone, over 400 homes are destroyed and many more will have to be torn down because they are not structurally sound. The Gal family, I came to know for the last few years, lost half of their home and most of their possessions. It is a very difficult time. This is only one of the many villages that are affected by the flooding. In the town of Visk, I was told that the flooding is just as bad as in Vari. The overall death toll and destruction is climbing every day. According to new reports, 18 people died and 25 are still missing. But this is not certain. Many conflicting reports have been coming in. The radio reported so far that 1500 homes were destroyed. But many more will need to be torn down and rebuild because the water ruined them. I saw waterlines on homes over 6 feet up the walls above the tops of the windows. People are still in shock and don’t know what to say. One consistent report is that the Ukrainian government is doing nothing substantial to help the people. Food is coming in from Hungary. One family today told that the flood began Thursday morning. They said that it was still dark when the neighbors came running over and told them to get their kids and whatever they could carry and get out. The authorities never warned anyone about anything. In addition, the Ukrainian news coverage said very little about the situation. The news we hear come from Hungary. While in Vari today, I could confirm that two Hungarian reporters were there while I saw nobody from Ukrainian news agencies. People are angered at their government for doing nothing. In addition, the people are still in fear of more flooding. The rain did not stop for the last several days. I watched as they lowered a person off a bridge to measure the water level in Vari. The rivers are rising again and there is a new threat of still more flooding. People cannot wash their clothes or begin cleaning up their homes. Most is trying to salvage what they could with tractors and wagons. We saw load after load of furniture being carried out of the flooded areas. The Reformed Church of Subcarpathia is trying to organize aiding. I spoke with the pastor of the Vari congregation. He said that the greatest need right now is for rubber boots, hip waders, raincoats, socks, and under-garments, vitamins, cold and cough medicines. Evantually help will be needed very much with rebuilding. The church provides food and clothing and Hungarians are helping in this effort as well. Thank you all for your prayers and help. Pray that God will stop the rain and give the people a rest and time to rebuild before winter sets in. Pray also that the Ukrainian government will be convinced to help in this region. Pray for honesty and integrity with the aid that is given and how it is handled. Pray for wisdom in how best to help people rebuild and relocate. PS: I have just been told that the TV is reporting that rain is forecasted for the rest of this week. There is a severe threat of flooding for the entire Subcarpathia region. Pray that God will spare these people from further disaster. The Rev. George de Vuyst sent the above report through the INTERNET to Rev. Bemie Woudenberg, Grand Rapids, MI. During the last ten centuries, Subcarpathia (Karpataija) was part of Hungary. Now it is under the rule of the Ukraine. All of the inhabitants of the northern part of the Tisza river are Hungarians and mostly members of our Reformed Churches. Please send your donations! Indicate on your check: “FOR FLOOD VICTIMS”. All donations are tax deductible. Checks can be sent to: Hungarian Reformed Church of New York Attention: Rev. Arpad Drotos 220 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028 Or to: TRAC. (Transylvania Reformed Assistance Committee) 1009 44th Street SW Grand Rapids, MI 49509 For information, please call Stephen Szabó at 201-262-2338.

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