Buena Park, CA (June 19, 2008) – What is said to be the worst flooding in the region in more than 15 years, severe storms across six Midwest states in the last month have caused the Mississippi river to overflow causing billion-dollar losses and increasing fears of global food inflation.

Islamic Relief is launching an emergency appeal to help those affected with urgent aid.

Twenty-four people have died, over 100 have been injured, and another 40,000 have been forced from their homes in flood affected areas of Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.

So far, the flooding has ruined an estimated 5 million acres of crop land for corn and soybean, the damage of which could cost close to $20 billion.

According to the Army Corps of Engineers, a total of 22 levees have already been breached and another 48 levees protecting an additional 258,000 acres of crops from Iowa to Missouri are at high risk of flooding.

The flooding is expected to increase food inflation for U.S. consumers and dozens of countries relying on American food exports. The U.S currently exports 54 percent of the world’s corn, 36 percent of its soybeans and 23 percent of its wheat.

Iowa, which helps produce around one-third of all U.S. corn and soybeans, was the worst-affected by the flooding, incurring over $1 billion in property damage. Some of Iowa’s most fertile farm land still lies in the flood path of the Mississippi River.

More than 28,000 people have registered to receive emergency aid. Unfortunately, only about 9 percent have flood insurance, greatly limiting the amount of government aid they can receive.

Islamic Relief is launching an emergency appeal to assist in the relief efforts and provide aid for those affected by this disaster. The public is strongly urged to offer their support to victims by donating to Islamic Relief.