Responding to Natural Disasters

March 2011

I join the world in heartfelt sorrow for the people of Japan as they navigate the tearful aftermath of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. Those tragic events remind me that water is life when it is clean and available in good quantities. Yet water brings sickness and death when contaminated, scarce, or excessive.

The people in Japan, as well as the nearly one billion people who lack improved water sources, deserve our prayers and assistance as they struggle against water that destroys. May we continue to work toward a world where every person is able to experience water as it is intended to be: a source of life, health, and hope for the future.  - Joe Harbison, Executive Director

LIFEWATER'S RELIEF EFFORTS

• When natural disasters occur in regions where Lifewater has an active presence, we work closely with our in-country partners to respond directly to needs on the ground.
• When natural disasters occur in developing countries where Lifewater International is not working, we partner with colleague organizations and mobilize our volunteer field trainers to serve in that location. (See below for more information.)
• When natural disaters occur in developed nations, we ask our supporters to join us in prayer and contribute to the American Red Cross or other qualified organizations responding to the crisis.

FIELD TRAINER MOBILIZATION FUND

Through their Lifewater training, field trainers have been equipped with skills to respond effectively to urgent water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs. They have learned how to work in settings with very little infrastructure, promote low-cost sustainable technologies, and work in partnership with local people. Many of Lifewater’s field trainers are water or health professionals by trade. Lifewater's field trainer mobilization fund is used to help with relief and rehabilitation. Please consider giving in two ways:

1. Make a five-dollar donation right now through your cell phone. Text DONATE to 85944 and reply "Yes" to the confirmation question, and five dollars will be added to your phone bill.
2. Give a regular donation to Lifewater online or by check. Indicate in the comments section that you would like the money to go to the field trainer mobilization fund.

REHABILITATION & DEVELOPMENT IN HAITI
Lifewater's focus as a WASH development organization is on creating sustainable water and sanitation systems for the long-term. Lifewater is currently contributing to sustained rehabilitation efforts in Haiti by sending well drilling and hand pump repair experts to provide training and assistance to Haitian drilling teams. Read More