As news comes in of the devastating effects of Hurricane Florence in North Carolina and South Carolina, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is organizing a response that will help sustain life and restore hope in the coming days. “Our hearts break and rise up in prayer for the people along the Atlantic coast and the inland areas of the Carolinas,” says the Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus, PDA director. “Right now, we need the church’s prayers and financial assistance.”
Hurricane Florence satellite image. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday morning about 7:30 a.m. Eastern time near Wrightsville, North Carolina, bearing sustained 90 mph winds. Although downgraded from recent days to a Category 1 storm, over the next 48 hours it’s expected to drop up to 30 inches of rain and create storm surges up to 11 feet in some areas in North Carolina. More than 500,000 homes and businesses are currently without power, a number that is certain to rise over the next several days as its projected to head westward toward South Carolina before turning north next week.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has been in communication with mid councils and pastors in the area to provide resources and guidance. Kraus and her colleagues in the Presbyterian Mission Agency and throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are working with our partners to meet immediate needs and support long-term recovery.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is the emergency response and refugee program of the denomination, committed to the long-term journey of recovery of communities adversely affected by a crisis or catastrophic event. It is funded by the One Great Hour of Sharing and has designated funds for responding to specific disasters.
To support recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Florence, click here. You’ll be taken to the PC(USA) website to donate securely and quickly.
Visit pda.pcusa.org for continuing updates.
