Flooding spreads across four states
Significant flooding has struck in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, and
Oklahoma over the weekend that has left at least 13 dead, hundreds
evacuated, and scores of homes affected.
Torrential rains, showering parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin with as
much as 12 inches, have triggered mudslides and flooding. At this time,
Houston and Rushford Minnesota and Soldiers Grove and Gays Mills
Wisconsin are partially or completely evacuated, with the American Red
Cross leading in sheltering operations.
The staffs of the LaCrosse Area Synod of Wisconsin and the Southeastern
Minnesota Synod are working to contact clergy and members in the
affected communities to offer support. Lutheran Disaster Response
coordinators are assessing damage in both areas.
Meanwhile, remnants of Tropical Storm Erin have battered parts of Texas
and Oklahoma adding to the long summer of flooding experienced in those
states. Lutheran Disaster Response coordinators are at work in those
communities as well.
Lutheran Social Service of the South, Lutheran Disaster Response*s
affiliate in Texas has been coordinating response to hurricanes Katrina
and Rita for nearly two years and is currently making preparations in
light of the approach of Hurricane Dean, currently on track to
significantly impact Mexico.
As we move into long term recovery, Lutheran Disaster Response will be
hard at work in these communities helping with the needs of those
impacted by these disasters. Lutheran Disaster Response concentrates on
long-term recovery in activities like volunteer coordination, spiritual
and emotional care, hardship grants, and case management.
Please pray for first responders and these communities currently at
work in the rescue phase of these disasters.
In God*s Service,
Rev. Kevin Massey
Assistant Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
Lutheran Disaster Response
Rev. Kevin Massey, BCC
Assistant Director,
ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
Lutheran Disaster Response
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
8765 W. Higgins Rd
Chicago, IL 60631-4101
office-773-380-2822
fax-773-380-2493
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