Hurricane Isaac
Tropical Storm Isaac struck Haiti and other Caribbean countries over the weekend. The storm has continued into the Gulf of Mexico, is now upgraded to Hurricane Isaac, and is threatening areas along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The Associated Press has reported eight fatalities in Haiti. Winds and flooding have destroyed and damaged tents that still house some survivors of the 2010 Haitian earthquake. There are news reports of damaged homes, flooding and mudslides in Port-au-Prince, but the damage to structures in the city is not extreme.
In general, the response from the government was effective. Different teams were set up, and local authorities were mobilized to bring support to different communities and especially to people still living in camps.
Isaac is now expected to intensify to hurricane strength and approach the U.S. Gulf Coast tomorrow. A hurricane warning is in effect from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana, including New Orleans. FEMA is warning that southeast Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama could see storm surges of 6 to 12 feet. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida have all declared states of emergency.
PDA response
PDA staff members are monitoring the continued impact of Isaac and will respond to immediate and long-term needs as requested.
As always, we ask that you stand in the gap for families affected by this disaster.
GIVE: Since Tropical Storm Isaac has both national and international impact, we ask that you prayerfully consider sharing your financial blessing by designating your gift to DR000148. In this manner, PDA will be able to use your gift where it is needed most.
ACT: Hurricanes and tropical storms often bring flooding to affected communities. Please prayerfully consider putting together Gift of the Heart kits. A kit used most often following flooding in the U.S. is the Clean-up kit. Find information on what is needed to make this kit.
PRAY: Our best response is prayer. Please pray for those who have already been impacted by the storm and those who are anticipating its landfall in their hometowns. Pray for affected families and those who will help with emergency, relief and recovery efforts. Pray that the hope of Christ will be evident in our response.
