Since making landfall near Perry, Fla., as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene has left a devastating trail of death and destruction across the southeastern United States. The death toll is currently estimated at more than 100 people in six states.
The Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, director of disaster response for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), said, “Initially, after Hurricane Helene passed, we believed the damage would be minimal. However, over the last 24 hours, I’ve received reports of significant damage in unexpected areas across the Southeast.
“Yesterday, I met via Zoom with the DDRCs [district disaster relief coordinators] from four districts, and it was determined that a substantial response and volunteer deployment will be necessary for Tampa, Florida, south-central Georgia and western North Carolina.”
Johnson reported that the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas on the Florida coast were hit with severe flooding. Our Savior Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, has 12 families with over 10 feet of water in their homes. The entire surrounding community was also affected.
Meanwhile, south-central Georgia experienced significant tree damage, and western North Carolina — particularly Asheville — remains under water, with closed roads impeding transportation, and widespread power and cellular outages making communication difficult or impossible.
Later today, Johnson will leave for an initial assessment visit to all three states. The visit will take multiple days, after which he will formulate an initial response plan in cooperation with the LCMS Florida-Georgia and Southeastern Districts. In addition to meeting with the DDRCs, he has also been in touch with the LCMS Recognized Service Organizations Shepherd’s Heart Ministry and Forged by Fire, as well as with the LCMS Mid-South District, which is also standing by to assist.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.
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Posted Sept. 30, 2024/Updated Oct. 1, 2024/Updated Oct. 2, 2024
