Flooding causes major damage following a tropical storm or hurricane. Photo: Patricia Brach, FEMA Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) stands ready to provide assistance to communities impacted by Tropical Storm Gustav. Gustav has already struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic and is currently near Cuba and Jamaica, with winds just under the strength of a hurricane. As damage assessments are made, PDA is ready to support partners or the broader ecumenical community as they respond to needs.
The storm is expected to intensify as it enters the warmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and possibly reaches the strength of a level three hurricane. Projections are that it could make landfall in an area anywhere from south Texas to the Florida panhandle by Labor Day.
PDA has taken steps to evacuate the Presbyterian Volunteer Villages in Louisiana and Mississippi as soon as the storm enters the Gulf, to ensure the safety of volunteers and staff.
Executives in potentially affected presbyteries within the Synods of the Sun, Living Waters and South Atlantic have been contacted to remind them how to access support from the denomination. Executives of these synods have been requested to take part in a conference call 24 hours after the storm makes landfall to discuss any assistance that may be needed.
Please pray for those in the path of the storm, the survivors and those who will be helping with recovery efforts and the long term response. |
