The recent cycle of natural disasters around the world is keeping relief organizations like the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) very busy.

MCC partners with local churches and organizations with similar values around the world. They offer services in relief, development, and peace to over 50 countries.

Bruce Guenther, Disaster Response Director for MCC, said the organization finds it challenging to prioritize disaster relief needs with so many natural disasters and conflicts happening at once.

Bruce Guenther MCC 2017
Bruce Guenther

"It is very busy and we appreciate the support we are receiving. I think the struggle for us is being able to respond to high levels of need... whether that is Mexico, Haiti, or Cuba, but then also we think about situations in South Sudan, there's huge flooding across India, Nepal and Bangladesh, and of course we have the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Iraq," said Guenther  

The MCC is currently responding to a need in Cuba, which was hit hard by Hurricane Irma.

"The path of Hurricane Maria is very similar to Irma and that has severely affected Cuba and actually there hasn't been lots of media attention on the impact on Cuba in particular... there's over 2.3 million people affected in Cuba and over 230,000 people are without shelter," he said.

From what he hears from staff in Haiti, the increased rains and the flash flooding has increased cases of cholera.

"We ask for people's thoughts and prayers and to try and put themselves in a situation where they can imagine being without shelter, where their crops have been destroyed, where family members are becoming sick," said Guenther.

He adds that MCC is also working on a food distribution project to Central Congo, where conflict has affected millions.

"I know it can feel overwhelming with all the different things that are happening and I think that all of us we do what we can, and I'm just thankful for any contributions that people can make to the various responses that MCC is engaged in."

Guenther notes the organization has a page on its website where people can donate.

MCC Haiti 2017
In Haiti, community health organizer Osa Jonmarits received a comforter, an MCC relief bucket and water purification tablets after his home and property were damaged by flooding from Hurricane Irma. Photo submitted by MCC/Annalee Giesbrecht