Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is working with the National National Presbyterian Church of Mexico in responding to the flooding in Tabasco, Mexico.

Days of rain and unusually large waves off the coast have inundated Tabasco, a low-lying and oil-rich state on Mexico's tropical Gulf coast, causing the largest natural disaster in recent Mexican history. 70 percent of the state is flooded and more than 700,000 homes are under water. The situation has been compared to the flooding from Hurricane Katrina.

Tabasco’s Governor Andres Granier says that the state is devastated, all crops had been destroyed, livestock has been killed and most of the state's business sectors have been affected.

The National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM) is actively engaged in responding to this crisis. Five of the INPM presbyteries are affected by the flooding.

The presbytery offices are currently sheltering more than 1,000 people. Many of the state's regular shelters were evacuated after floodwaters overtook them.

PDA has forwarded One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds to INPM for the immediate purchase of bottled water, food, and bedding for the shelters.

We are certain that there will be longer-term needs associated with this disaster response. The Mexican Church is currently finishing the long-term recovery plan for response to Hurricane Dean that affected three presbyteries in the Yucatan. PDA has sent an Alert to ACT-Geneva and will be putting together an appeal.

Please hold the church leadership and survivors in your prayers.