Earthquakes, tsunamis, fuel tanker explosions and volcanic explosions: Our member churches often suffer the effects of natural catastrophes or other misfortunes. Fast and effective aid is of utmost importance in the hour of need. The UEM answers this call, providing funds and expertise. The UEM also supports medium-term and long-term projects, for example reconstruction; trauma therapy; projects that enable people to return to their livelihoods, and community building projects.

The tsunami

Among the many natural catastrophes that occur every year in Southeast Asia, the tsunami of 2004 was without a doubt the worst. Altogether, over 200,000 people died in the floods, many of them members of one of our member churches in Indonesia or Sri Lanka. Thousands became homeless, were injured and traumatised, and lost everything they owned.

Taking steps toward one another

In dealing with the effects of the tsunami and the large earthquake on the island of Nias four months later, our member churches accomplished a great deal. Many emergency aid programs met people’s immediate needs after the catastrophe. Everyone received aid, regardless of religious affiliation, race, or gender. In this way, in many places barriers between people were overcome, old enmities were put aside, and people once again took steps toward one another.

Medium- and long-term aid

Our member churches in Sri Lanka and Indonesia continue to be active in medium- and long-term programmes to promote the reconstruction of the areas hit by the tsunami and the earthquake. Reconstruction also continues in the Philippines following the devastating typhoons of 2009; many emergency relief operations have already been necessary in Congo in 2010 after explosions, floods, and landslides.

Most projects can only be realised with the help of donations. If you want to help, please visit our project pages. Background information on donating is available on the "donating" page.