Hurricane Helene response: Initial assessment underway

Lisa Kauffman, a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, Fla., stands outside her home in Gulfport, Fla., on Oct. 1 after it sustained severe damage from Hurricane Helene. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

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 230 people in seven states.

Meanwhile, in the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Milton has intensified to a Category 5 storm and threatens to follow a similar path to Helene.

The Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, director of disaster response for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), said that initial reports following Hurricane Helene suggested damage would be minimal. That rapidly changed to reports of multiple LCMS individuals, congregations and districts affected. Now as those same areas are preparing for another storm, Johnson anticipates a substantial and long-term response. In Florida, the greatest effects were from flooding. In Georgia, they were from wind and tree damage. In North Carolina, they were from both.

Last week, Johnson spent multiple days touring the areas affected by Hurricane Helene. He remains in close contact with LCMS Recognized Service Organizations assisting in the response to Helene as well as with LCMS districts that have been affected or are also trying to help. Johnson said the volunteer response has been enormous. “Within days, volunteers were onsite helping serve meals, removing debris, chopping fallen trees, mucking out homes and tearing out drywall.” He emphasized the importance of cleaning out flooded homes before mold sets in and creates another hazard. “This is some of the most important work our LCMS volunteers do.”

More information about both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton will be shared as it becomes available.

To make a gift to help bring Christ’s love and mercy to those affected by disasters, visit:

• lcms.org/givenow/disaster

Bulletin inserts are available for congregational use:

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LCMS churches in St. Petersburg, Fla., have multiple families affected by Hurricane Helene, and the Synod is there to offer spiritual and physical care.

• View video

The Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, director of LCMS Disaster Response, appeared on “Issues, Etc.,” on Friday, Oct. 4, to talk about Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

• Listen to interview

Posted Sept. 30, 2024/Updated Oct. 1, 2024/Updated Oct. 2, 2024/Updated Oct. 7, 2024