Some residents say they have never seen flooding like this before. Photo: Vicki DeSormio, DNNThe Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (FLAPDAN) is actively engaged in assessing needs following Tropical Storm Fay. FLAPDAN, formed following 2004’s Hurricane Charlie, serves as a link between the six presbyteries in Florida, the Synod of the South Atlantic and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. During a disaster, FLAPDAN addresses the common issues of disaster response and long-term recovery among the presbyteries and shares information with other relief groups and interfaith agencies around the state, as well as with governmental agencies such as FEMA.
FLAPDAN has been having daily conference calls that include the Florida presbyteries and other agencies since August 16, when Tropical Storm Fay first posed a threat to the state.
While tornadoes continued to be a threat after Tropical Storm Fay made landfall on Monday, August 18, most of the reported damage was minor, with only a few trees and power lines down.
The primary concern now is flooding. Jim Bentley, from Brevard VOAD agency, said he has never seen flooding like that in Brevard County, where many roads are covered with water.
Some churches are serving as shelters in cooperation with agencies, such as the Salvation Army. Many feeding programs stocked up before the storm.
FLAPDAN has indicated a need for clean-up buckets. There may be a need for volunteers as the full extent of Tropical Storm Fay becomes known.
PDA will make One Great Hour of Sharing and other funds available to the affected presbyteries as requested. |
