As a result of the spring flood and dam break on April 5, water flooded half of the Old Town in the city of Orsk, Orenburg Oblast, Russia, on the left bank of the Ural River. Residential buildings, churches, and medical institutions were in the flood zone. On the night of April 7, water began to flood the New City. Villages nearby the city were also in the flood zone, authorities said.
According to the mayor of Orsk, by the morning of April 9, more than 7,000 residential buildings remained in the flood zone. The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that more than 3,000 people were evacuated from the city. In addition, the flood waters caused damage in the territory of Kazakhstan, whose border is just a few miles away.
The affected people need basic necessities, authorities said, the most urgent need being drinking water, as well as hygiene kits and clothing. The victims will also need assistance in restoring damaged homes.
All-Russian public organization “ADRA Assistance Center”
Together with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, ADRA responded immediately to the emergency situation and has already begun to the victims. The all-Russian public organization “ADRA Assistance Center” has launched a program to help residents of Orsk affected by the flood. As part of its program, ADRA will provide essential supplies such as food, water, clothing, and hygiene items to those affected. In addition, the organization will help restore destroyed housing and infrastructure. and hygiene items to those affected. In addition, the organization will help restore destroyed housing and infrastructure.
“We are extremely concerned about the consequences of the floods in Orsk and are committed to helping those in trouble,” an ADRA representative said. “Our organization is ready to provide the necessary support and resources to help people restore normal living conditions.”
The ADRA disaster response team has been in the emergency area since the first days of the flood, assessing the situation and collaborating with local authorities. In Orsk, ADRA has organized the provision of drinking water and technical water (purified water used in heating systems such as boilers), as well as the distribution of clothing to those in need.
Leaders of the Euro-Asian Division of the Adventist Church urged members and others to follow the command of God to love their neighbor by supporting the relief efforts underway in Orsk and the surrounding region. Local communities across the Euro-Asia Division are also organizing church services on April 13 and 20, when a special offering will be collected for the cause, leaders said.
This story originated on the Euro-Asia Division and ADRA Russia news sites.
