Fire destroys residence

Two generations lose their home

In the night of 27 January 2010 in Nagybereg a terrible tragedy occurred. As a result of a gas explosion, the house of the Ombodi family was completely destroyed by fire.

Reformed fire department from Dercen came to help.

At the time of the disaster there were three people at home. Mother Ombodi woke up and noticed that something was wrong with the heating in the neighboring room. She immediately awakened her son and daughter-in-law, then all three vacated the house at once. Immediately afterward there was an explosion followed by a fire.
Thank God no lives were lost, but the family lost their home and all they owned.
Unfortunately conditions for fighting the fire were quite poor. The alarm went out at once to fire departments in the county seat of Beregszász/Berehovo, Nagybereg itself and a neighboring village. But their equipment was inadequate. Only about 6 a.m. was the Reformed fire department in Dercen called in, and they were able to prevent possibly greater damage thanks to their better equipment and training. Icy temperatures at -18º C (0º F) made it even harder to put out the fire.

The Ombodi family originally came from Vári, but left that village about 10 years ago and came to Nagybereg after their house there was several damaged twice by catastrophic flooding.

Entry area

... that was once a sofa

Since that time the family has been staying with relatives. Of course that is not long-term solution. They would like to continue to live in Nagybereg, tear down the ruined house and rebuild on the same spot. Unfortunately that is unthinkable under their financial circumstances without outside help. They had no insurance for the house. It is not customary in Ukraine. The Reformed Church in Subcarpathia as well as their local church community is supporting them as best they can, especially by giving them clothing and counseling.

The Ombodi family needs to have a new home and we would like to assist them.
Therefore we sincerely ask for your donations!

Please send money transfers to the account of the Transcarpathia Benefit Society at the bank of Sparkasse Vogtland.

Account no: 381 20 10 908

Routing no: 870 580 00

Key word: Fire

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