The Methodist Church has announced that it has launched an emergency fund for victims of the severe floods in South Mexico. The floods were caused by rains which were the heaviest in Mexico for 40 years.

The states of Tabasco and Veracruz have suffered particularly from the flooding, so far at least 500,000 people have been made homeless and could face outbreaks of disease in addition to finding their crops destroyed by the floods.

Already the Church's Fund for World Mission has promised £7,500 for the fund, whilst the Methodist Relief and Development Fund has offered another £5,000 for relief work.

In a statement the Reverend Thomas Quenet, World Church Officer for Americas and the Caribbean, said: "The full extent of this tragedy is yet to be seen, but we do know that thousands of people will be faced with rebuilding their lives from scratch.

"We are encouraging people to offer whatever support they can, not only with their pockets, but also with their prayers."

Those wishing to support the appeal can give securely online at www.justgiving.com/mexicoflood.