Gulf Coast dioceses respond to severe flooding

[Episcopal Relief & Development] Episcopal Relief & Development is in contact with diocesan leaders along the Gulf Coast who are coordinating flood response efforts after several days of heavy rainfall across the region.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the slow-moving storm brought 10-20 inches of rain to Louisiana and the surrounding states beginning Aug. 11, and flooding continues although the heaviest rain has moved on. Louisiana and Mississippi are both under a state of emergency, and the federal government issued a major disaster declaration for Louisiana. At least seven people have died.

The Rt. Rev. Morris K. Thompson, Jr., bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana, issued a pastoral letter on Aug. 15 stating the known damage to church properties and highlighting the effectiveness of the “Alert Media” system being piloted in partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development.

“[W]e were able to quickly ascertain if anyone was in immediate flooding danger. We also used it as an opportunity to gather all of the clergy in a conference call that was conducted this morning,” he wrote. Thompson remarked that there was nearly 100 percent participation in the conference call among clergy and parishes across the diocese.

Deacon Elaine Clements, disaster coordinator for the Diocese of Louisiana, is working with the Rev. Canon Shannon Manning, canon to the ordinary, to coordinate relief efforts with Episcopal Relief & Development and communicate with congregations to meet local needs. In addition, Thompson has appointed the Rev. Mark Holland to coordinate relief efforts in the Baton Rouge area as the diocese moves “from emergency relief to long-term disaster recovery and assistance.”

Thompson’s letter includes information for donating to Episcopal Relief & Development’s US Disaster Response Fund, and the diocesan website includes links to a number of the agency’s disaster preparedness and response resources.

In the Diocese of Western Louisiana, Disaster Coordinator Deacon Lois Maberry writes that assessment efforts are currently underway to ensure that people in flooded areas are accounted for and safely sheltered, and that damage assessment will begin when the water recedes. Her message encourages donations to Episcopal Relief & Development and states: ”As conditions improve and there are needs for volunteers I will send out other communications. In the meantime, if churches would like to donate something tangible, please consider gift cards. These are easily mailed to the churches in the area and can be given out as needed for various supplies.”

FEMA warns of heavy rain through Aug. 20 from Texas to Alabama and likely flooding in Louisiana and further north along the Mississippi River. Emergency preparedness activities such as creating a disaster kit and ensuring adequate supplies of food and water at home are outlined in Episcopal Relief & Development’s web resources.

Please continue to pray for all those impacted by storms and flooding, for first responders who are conducting rescue operations and for church communities who are reaching out to care for their most vulnerable members and neighbors.

To enable Episcopal Relief & Development to respond to the current Gulf Coast flooding and support emergency preparedness and long-term recovery efforts in the United States, please donate to the US Disaster Response Fund.