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DR000184

Situation Report
Hurricane Ike - Texas

August 7, 2009

Hurricane Ike — the third most destructive hurricane in U.S. history — struck the Texas coast in September 2008. Almost one year later, thousands of homeowners are still not back in their homes. In Galveston County alone more than 5,900 homes were destroyed or damaged from Ike, but only 90 of those homes have been rebuilt or repaired. Recovering from disaster is a long process.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) estimates that Hurricane Ike caused $11 billion of damage on Texas’ coast and more than $8 billion more in neighboring Gulf states. Generally, hurricane names rotate every six years, but there will never be another Hurricane Ike. This storm was so ruinous that the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Ike.

Unfortunately for many, Hurricane Ike has become the “forgotten storm.”

While the media gave us vivid images of the people affected by Hurricane Katrina over several weeks, Hurricane Ike — sandwiched between the 2008 presidential conventions and the beginning of the sharp economic downturn — came ashore and quickly disappeared from the news. However, a lack of media coverage does not indicate a lack of need. Recovery needs in Texas remain strong.

It has been said that the only difference between a person who lost everything in Hurricane Ike and a person who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina was that one person lived in Texas and the other person lived in Louisiana (or Mississippi).

Volunteers are needed to help with cleanup and rebuilding. Call (866) 732-6121 to schedule your team! Photo: Patsy Lynch, FEMA

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is committed to help recovering families in Texas meet some of those needs and, more importantly, to share the love of Christ with those who are hurting. We need your help.

Less than $250,000 has been received to provide assistance to those affected by Ike. Needed just as much as funding is labor — volunteers who will sacrificially give their time to help clean and rebuild homes for recovering families.

Experienced and skilled individuals are desperately needed, but so are individuals with willingness to work and willingness to be transformed by the experience. Spread the word. Volunteer, organize your church to volunteer. Call the PDA call center to see how you can help — (866) 732-6121.