Updates on refugee camp fire and prayer request for Christine's mom

Personal loss, sadness and tragedy - today we mourn the loss of so much here in the Kutapalong refugee camp. This day comes to a close with results from rapid assessments on damage caused by the massive fire that swept through the camp yesterday. As we hear of the loss of life, belongings and homes of thousands of refugees here in Kutapalong refugee camp, we also are saddened by the discovery last week of a brain tumor in Christine's mom.

Annika, mom (Faith) and Nathan

Faith Lindell (Christine's mom) experienced a very sudden onset of not being able to come up with words when she was talking. A CT scan last week revealed a brain tumor. Siblings and grandkids have rallied around her and dad during this difficult time. We are grateful for so many family members living close to her in Minnesota. It is difficult to be so far away. Mom will be undergoing surgery on Wednesday morning (central time USA) in St Paul, Minnesota. We ask for your prayers.

In addition we ask that you continue to join us in praying for the ongoing emergency here in KTP.

This morning our shelter team headed out early to camp 8E to begin their emergency response to the loss of homes from the fire yesterday. 12 hours later they finished up for the day and have sent some photos.  The team did their initial assessment of the damage and then began distribution of emergency kits. They managed to do an initial distribution of 228 kits. The team will be back in the field again tomorrow and will continue with the kit distribution. They will likely be working on emergency response for some time to come.  

In the areas of the camps where the fire swept through nothing has been left untouched

Shelter team setting up for distributions

'The tiny beginnings of a new home' for 228 families today

Shelter kits include the following items:

Rope 6mm: 1bundle
Tarp: 1 pcs
Floor Mat: 2pcs
Mosquito Net: 1pcs
Blanket: 2pcs
Jute Bag: 3pcs
Face Mask: 3pcs
Muli Bamboo: 3pcs

Initial rapid assessments show 8 adults and 3 children died in the fire that swept through yesterday. Approximately 10,000 homes were destroyed and 100s of other facilities (health posts, hospital, distribution sites, schools, etc). We will continue to hear more details in the coming days.