RESPONSE OF LIGHT

Despite the efforts of some international aid organizations, one of the world's poorest populations continues to live in conditions of severe food deprivation, following the failure of crops last year. See Hunger in Chad.

A storm in Myanmar has left many without shelter and acres of land devoted to food production decimated. Fatalities at this point number 45, however the exact total is not known yet. See Myanmar storm.

The continuation of the volcanic eruption at Mount Merapi that began on Tues., Oct. 26th has left 53,000 homeless and the situation unstable according to recent reports. Today, many who had returned to check the condition of their homes had to flee again as the volcano erupted once more.

The current cholera epidemic in Haiti which has to date cost 200 lives and affected thousands is endangering those located in refugee camps who are continuing to live in sub-standard conditions. Healing meditation joins One World Meditations on Wed., Oct. 27th.

According to various sources, the most serious earthquake in New Zealand's recorded history took place on Sept. 3rd with an epicenter 19 miles outside of ChristChurch, the second most populated city in New Zealand located on the south island. No fatalaties but significant property damage has been reported.

A meditation on behalf of the now twenty million affected by the flooding in Pakistan and the estimated six million who are without adequate food or shelter. Also, this meditation is to help the Earth that is experiencing an intensity of purification.

A meditation on behalf of those affected by the disastrous flooding in Pakistan will be held Wed., Aug. 11th, in conjunction with One World Meditations.

A Somali based al-Qaida group has claimed responsibility for explosions that killed 74 people on Sunday, July 11th, as many watched the World Cup finals. See Uganda Explosions.

Ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan has left hundreds dead and 200,000 displaced from their homes due to the violence. See BBC News and CS Monitor.

Announcements of global meditations in support of the oceans and planetary life in general come from many sources. Two are posted here and here.

Click on this LINK to view videos created by Haitian children of life since the earthquake. From a project sponsored by 'Save the Children'.

Click on this LINK to view live footage of the oil leaking from the broken riser at the oil spill site. BP is providing this footage as part of its 'top-kill' effort to stop the spillage.

Only two million of the 11.8 million dollars needed has been raised to benefit the two million going hungry in Chad, UN sources reported. This is because the aid focus is on neighboring Niger where the food crisis is equally as great. Migrations in Chad to find food have already begun. See Chad hunger crisis.

In conjunction with One World Meditations, prayers for the healing of the Earth, for humanity's consciousness to come into balance in relation to the life of the planet, and for all whose lives have been affected by this disaster.

An impassioned plea by David Swallow, Jr., Wowitan Yuha Mani Teton Lakota Spiritual Leader, Sundance Chief of the Medicine Wheel Sundance for love and light to aid the situation in which the sacred horses of the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota peoples are being confiscated. See: People of the Sacred Horse

Sent by Grassdancer Vibrational Essences Healing Prayer Circle.

Massive efforts are underway to help the situation in Tennessee following powerful thunderstorms that ravaged the area a week ago. As of today, 30 deaths have been reported, and there is great loss of property estimated. See photos and Opry.

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico threatens potentially unprecendented damage to the coasts, wildlife, and economies of that whole region. The flow of oil from a mile below the surface is occurring at a rate that is five times faster than previously estimated, with an oil slick now with a circumference of 600 miles. It most immediately threatens the ecosystems and coastline in the New Orleans area. It is is anticipated that it may be months before interventions may be able to reduce or stop this leak. I pray for a combination of miracles so that this ecological and pending economic crisis can be mitigated.

Sent by Robert McIlwain

Reports indicate that a powerful 7.1 earthquake has cost the lives of over 400 in China and injured thousands. See: NY Times. The China Earthquake Networks Administration said the quake struck in Yushu County, a remote and mountainous area sparsely populated by farmers and herdsmen, most of them ethnic Tibetans.

Volcanoes under the glacier in Iceland are reported with 800 people evacuated. See: CBC Canada

Sent by Frank Brunke

Environmentalists concerned with the Amazon are distressed about a proposal to build the third largest dam in the world in the Amazon. The Belo Monte dam planned by the Brazilian government it is said would flood hundreds of square miles of the Amazon and dry up a 60-mile stretch of the Xingu River, devastating the indigenous communities that live along it. The government now plans to hold an April 20 auction to award contracts for its construction. See: NY Times

Sent by Doran Rochell

Revolution in Kyrgyzstan. Around 80 people killed, hundreds wounded. There is no official government and there is a possibility of chaos and division between north and south which might bring civil war.  See: News.com, AlertNet

Sent by: Aigul Myrzabekova

Niger, one of the poorest nations in the world, is experiencing an extreme food shortage, with 7.8 million people running out of food.  Crop failure after erratic rainfall last year appears to be the cause.  Many are resorting to eating wild leaves since there is nothing else left to eat. International aid agencies are being petitioned to help. See: AlertNet

More than 200 deaths have been reported due to mudslides just outside of Rio de Janeiro.  This follows the reported deaths of 150 persons earlier in the week, also due to slides. According to sources, thousands remain homeless. For specific information go to Calgary Herald, and Yahoo News.

The nation grieves this week for the more than two dozen miners lost during a massive explosion in a coal mine in West Virginiz on Monday, and for their families and loved ones.  Practices concerning mine safety are currently under investigation as are laws pertaining to such practices.  For information - Los Angeles Times, CS Monitor.