Day 11: Updates from the Gulf Coast
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DAY 11: UPDATES FROM THE GULF COAST
HURRICANE LAURA
On Saturday, our Inspiritus disaster response team evacuated from Southwest Louisiana due to the threat from Tropical Storm Beta. Coastal flooding from Beta's storm surge has already occurred on the Texas and Louisiana coasts.
Although our team has moved, it's not too late to donate to our efforts there. Thrivent is still matching your donations, and Inspiritus could still use your assistance!
"My “home” for the next couple of weeks. ️We have moved our base camp over to Orange Beach Alabama where Hurricane Sally has caused a lot of damage."
-Sabrina More, Disaster Relief Volunteer Manager
HURRICANE SALLY
Over the weekend, our response team moved to their new volunteer camp at The Island Church in Orange Beach, Alabama. Orange Beach is an area where Hurricane Sally, a Category 2 hurricane, caused significant destruction last week. Orange Beach received over 29.99 inches of rain, similar to nearby Pensacola, which received 24.80 inches.
What does all this damage from Hurricane Sally mean for residents impacted along the Gulf Coast?
• Widespread power outages (some communities are projected to be without power for up to a month or more)
• Many homes have suffered flooding and water damages, and will require significant mucking and gutting to remove flooring, ceilings, insulation, sheet rock, cabinetry, and damaged household goods and furniture
• Extensive chainsawing is needed to remove downed trees that are slowing local and emergency efforts to restore access to roads and power
• Power outages are creating an unprecedented interruption of jobs and education, as so many households are dependent on electricity to engage in virtual working and learning during this COVID-19 pandemic
• More flooding this week with over-flowing rivers and streams (according to the National Weather Service)
Temperatures get checked twice a day, as part of our COVID-19 safety measures
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
We're working closely with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to assess the communities most in need of our assistance.
Those we're serving are experiencing multiple disasters at the same time: COVID-19, Hurricane Laura, and now Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.
Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.
To learn more about volunteering with this response, please register here.
Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally.
We're also keeping a watchful eye on other developing storms. This hurricane season has produced almost twice the average number of storms with 23 named so far. The average hurricane season produces 12.
Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast.
Gratefully,
Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus
Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.
