wfn.org | Lutherans Engage in Relief Work after Hurricane Floyd

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

September 24, 1999

LUTHERANS ENGAGE IN RELIEF WORK AFTER HURRICANE FLOYD
99-234-MR

     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 
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
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For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html