1st July 2026

Days of torrential rain in the capital cities of Ghana and the Ivory Coast have left at least 24 people dead amid floods and landslides. Water levels following Sunday night's downpours have started to recede, but as the recovery operation continues. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNF) said it has rescued more than 470 people. The highest single-day's rainfall last year was about 56 mm," but preliminary data indicates that around 170mm of rain descended on Accra on Monday.  President John Dramani Mahama has said that drainage systems were inadequate and that climate change was causing heavier rainfall.  

Loving God, our hearts go out to our neighbours in Ghana struggling with heavy reqainfall and extreme flooding.  We ask for your loving care on all who mounr the deaths of those they loved.  We alo ask for your loing care for all anxious for news of people missing, may they be found and brought to safety.  Bring comfort to all who have lost their homes and livelihoods, businesses and livestock.  We thank you for all enghaged in search and rescue.  May they be careful for their own safety, but brave in rescuing desperate people.  Guide the authrotites in the work they need to do.  May they perform their duties with compassion and professionalism. May the trgedy of flood and landslide draw communities together, that they will support one another, and become a stronger support for one another in the future.  In  the name of Jesus we pray,  Amen.  

At least 1,700 people are so far known to have died in the 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude quakes, which caused hundreds of buildings to collapse and leaving many trapped in the rubble. Oxford-based aid charity, Oxfam GB, has launched an emergency appeal for those affected.  Magnus Corfixen, the humanitarian lead for Oxfam GB, said the charity's "first priority" was establishing an "overview of the situation" with its partners on the ground.  Among those supporting the effort are specialist RAF search and rescue teams and a 68-strong contingent from UK Fire and Rescue Services.  "The priority right now is to find those who are who are still buried under the rubble, and that's a race against time," Corfixen said."Then there's the layer that we will be focusing on which is how we support covering some of those most basic needs that we're seeing right now - and that's anything from distribution of food to essentials like water. There will be a massive trauma from this, both physically as well as mentally and that's where we're also looking at services around psychological first aid, psychosocial support and trying to support communities." More than 2,000 rescue workers from 27 countries have been deployed to Venezuela to locate people trapped under the rubble.

Almighty and eternal God

all praise and glory be to you.

We thank you for the new day.

We thank you for new opportunities

to learn more about you

and to be closer to you today.

We thank you for showing us your magnificence

in the wonder of creation.

We thank you for giving us your Word

in your Son Jesus Christ.

We thank you for your teaching and guidance

through the Holy Spirit, who lives within.

All praise and glory, honour and power

 be to you wonderful, God of love and life.

We bless you Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

one God now and for ever

Amen.