[Living Church] Episcopal Relief and Development based in the United states of America, has sent an emergency grant of $25,000 assistance through, following a major earthquake in El Salvador, in which hundreds have died and tens of thousands were left without homes.

The grant was made through the Diocese of El Salvador, which is part of the Anglican Church in the Province of Central America.

The earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, had left many of the country's 6 million without essential services.

"People's lives have been devastated, but our compassionate response can rescue them from dire circumstances and give them hope. They urgently need food, water and basic shelter," stated Sandra Swan, Executive Director of Episcopal Relief and Development.

She said working with the Diocese and bishop Barahona, they will send resources to help Salvadorans with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives

She added: "As we know from similar natural disasters in Central America and other parts of the world, recovering from the effect of an earthquake takes a long concerted effort, one that continues long after news coverage of the event ends.

Director of Latin American program, Ms Abagail Nelson, said "communication with San Salvador and outlying areas was difficult. Everyone suffered a great deal of damage to their Churches and houses in the western part of the country, and the cathedral in particular. The dean of the cathedral, the Very Rev. Luis Serrano, was evacuated from his home as it lies in the area of the mudslide near Santa Tecla."

Ms Nelson said some rural areas had not been contacted yet, in the southwest where towns were totalled. " And it keeps on happening - the after shocks are bringing down compromised buildings." She reported that the diocese was forming a Standing Committee for the Emergency, to include the bishop, the dean, and all priests of the diocese.

Contributions can be made through your church or send a check donation to: Earthquake Relief, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101