Report From the Field: Cyclone Michaung
The year 2023 ended in tragedy for families across south India who experienced great loss. Sadly, throughout the month of December, Cyclone Michaung, followed by additional flooding, affected several states and left devastation in its wake.
Cyclone Michaung hit the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Adhra Pradesh in early December, disrupting life and inundating several districts with heavy rain and strong winds. Extreme flooding and waterlogging in the streets followed, and trains, buses, and air travel were suspended while cars were swept away by the rains. Tragically, several lives were lost in the cyclone, while many families fled to relief camps. Many of our partners in India lost power, and in a particular village, several Adult Literacy students’ homes were flooded and damaged.
Just a couple of weeks later, Tamil Nadu, along with the state of Kerala, was hit yet again. Severe flooding prompted another round of evacuation, relief, and rescue operations, and according to our ministry partners, extensive damage to crops on thousands of acres and properties was reported. This is a significant loss to those who depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Eight Bible Clubs and two groups of Church Planters were affected by this flooding.
As these families rebuild their lives and others grieve the loss of loved ones, we ask you to join us in prayer for the following requests:
- Pray for the comfort of families who have lost loved ones in the flooding.
- Ask God to provide stability for those who were displaced.
- Pray for the Adult Literacy students whose homes were affected by Cyclone Michaung. Pray for peace, comfort, and provision as they rebuild their homes and lives.
- Pray that God will open doors for Church Planters, Bible Club leaders, and Adult Literacy teachers to share the love of Christ with the families affected by the storms.
