CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Hurricane Floyd produced an extraordinary disaster, killing at least 54 people from the Bahamas north to the New England area, causing destruction in eight states, including an enormous impact in North Carolina, according to the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Lutheran Disaster Response has made $10,000 available in emergency grants to provide immediate financial assistance to individuals in North Carolina. "An initial grant of $20,000 will be used to employ a Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator and a volunteer coordinator," said Furst.
Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas, along with the ELCA North Carolina Synod and LCMS Southeastern District, is coordinating the relief efforts of Lutheran Disaster Response.
In eastern North Carolina, 66 counties have been declared disaster areas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said Furst.
"Even now flood waters caused by Hurricane Floyd continue to isolate communities and compound problems in eastern North Carolina," Furst said. Several rivers -- Cape Fear, Neuse, Lumber and Tar -- will not crest until about Sept. 27, he said.
The towns of Rocky Mount, Goldsboro and Kinston, N.C., have massive damage. Belhaven, Greenville, Tarboro, Washington and Wilson have experienced severe flooding, said Furst.
"Because of the flooding, exact damage assessment is impossible. Flyovers and satellite information indicate that 30,000 houses may have been impacted," said Furst. "Several dams have been breached, and a=20 5-million gallon mercury holding pond is threatening the water supply in Wilmington, N.C."
"State officials estimate more than 100,000 hogs, 2.4 million chickens and 500,000 turkeys drowned, posing a threat of disease. One pastor, returning to his flooded community, found a 12-foot mound of dead hogs near his mailbox," said Furst.
There are at least 37 known fatalities in North Carolina, said Furst.
In New Jersey, Lutheran Disaster Response is reacting to hurricane-caused flood damage in Bound Brook, Manville and other Somerset County communities. Several Lutheran congregations in these areas are serving as collection points and distribution sites, said Furst. "A $5,000 grant will support this coordinated effort," he said.
"Prayers are as powerful as any wild hurricane winds or raging flooding rivers," said Furst. "We worship a resurrected Lord who is always present with his people. Those who are suffering will be supported by his grace. Those who are responding will be his enfolding arms and healing hands," he said.
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DOMESTIC DISASTERS:
Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to survivors
of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S.
Virgin Islands, please include:
Lutheran Disaster Response
P.O. Box 71764
Chicago, IL 60694-1764
800-638-3522 *********************************************************
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
