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Prayer Request - Marshall Islands State of Emergency
Majuro sustained major damage in wake of freak tide
MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, Dec. 26, 2008) - Freak waves from related high tides and a storm surge also destroyed villages in Papua New Guinea last week.
The Pacific atoll nation of Marshall Islands remains under a state of emergency after 8 to 18 feet surf flooded parts of the capital, Majuro, and outer islands in recent days. A combination of high tides and storm surges have pounded the Marshalls three times in the past fortnight, damaging homes and roads. The main urban centres of Majuro and Ebeye are less than a metre above sea level. A clean-up to remove tonnes of debris is underway, and the government's chief secretary, Casten Nemira, told Radio Australia more heavy waves are forecast over the next 24 hours. He says hundreds of people are sheltering in churches and temporary accommodation. "We're in the process of continuing to send food and other needed items, especially the islands that are close by, and also continuing to work with the islands that are further out, until we can provide some relief efforts in the coming days," he said.
Andrew & Margaret Marriott are currently in the UK visiting family and friends whilst their son, Ben, is in the Marshall Islands until end-January.
They would appreciate your prayers for Ben, along with the Clark family (Missionary Ventures field cordinators in the Marshalls) and the Marshallese people following the recent high tide and storm surges that led to the declaration of a State of Emergency in the Marshall Islands.
Steve Clark reported that one fourteen year old girl on Majuro had both legs cut off during the three days of tidal surges. A piece of roofing tin was pushed through the surf hitting her and severing her legs. Please pray for her and her family
Ben is OK. He has been helping with clearing debris from around the MV compound, but more heavy waves are expected within the next 24 hours.