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Hurricane Response
The situation:
While the first months of the hurricane season were relatively quiet, September brought damaging storms including hurricanes Fiona and Ian. Hurricane Fiona inundated Puerto Rico with rain, reminding people of the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Sept. 28 with near Category 5-strength winds, dumping record amounts of rain and causing catastrophic, life-threatening flooding. Authorities estimate the destruction could amount to a historic flooding event, and the number of fatalities is expected to rise. The western coast of Florida was hit particularly hard. Wind gusts of over 130 mph have downed power lines, leaving millions of residents without power. Hurricane Ian continues to bear down, dumping rain and bringing strong winds in its path.
With two months of hurricane season remaining, we stand ready to respond in anticipation of more storms in the weeks ahead.
Our response:
Lutheran Disaster Response collaborates with synods, congregations, Lutheran ministries and other faith-based partners to accompany communities impacted by hurricanes. In the short term, Lutheran Disaster Response provides immediate relief, such as water, clothing, gift cards, tarps and other needs. Since many hurricanes, including Ian and Fiona, require a long-term response, Lutheran Disaster Response and our partners support communities on the long road to recovery with disaster case management, construction management and emotional and spiritual care.
In response to Hurricane Ian, Lutheran Disaster Response is partnering with the Florida-Bahamas, Southeastern, North Carolina and South Carolina synods, as well as Lutheran Services Carolinas, to provide both immediate and long-term support. We anticipate relief will include water, food supplies, tarps, cleaning materials and other needs for those who have lost or damaged homes.
What you can do:
Pray
Please pray for the communities impacted by Hurricane Ian. May God's healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need. Pray that God will deliver comfort to those who mourn and strength to those working diligently to rescue survivors.
Give
Your gifts will support survivors of Hurricane Ian. Gifts to “Hurricane Response" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by hurricanes until the response is complete. Or make a general donation to Lutheran Disaster Response so we can respond to disasters whenever and wherever they strike.
Connect:
To learn more about the situation and the ELCA’s response: