Hurricane Irene has left havoc to the U.S. East Coast and Canada in its wake , and as a result Christian disaster relief organizations have swung into action.
Hurricane Irene has left 21 people dead, while disrupting power to 6 million homes and businesses, and causing billions-of-dollars-worth in damages.
Salvation Army officials say damage assessment teams are receiving significant requests for relief on a large scale. The Salvation Army at this stage is focused on feeding evacuees as well as fire, rescue, police and other emergency response personnel.
"The initial damage reports are leaving us cautiously optimistic that there has not been widespread structural damage or injuries," said Major George Hood, national community relations secretary in the U.S.
"But flooding remains a problem, particularly in New England, and there is a significant response ongoing. It is critical that we provide the base of support for damage assessment teams, rescue personnel and survivors to ensure everyone weathers the fallout from this storm safely."
Another relief organization, the Christian Reformed WorldRelief Committee (CRWRC) are focussing on assisting with cleanup efforts.
“The flooding is still happening, particularly as you go up New Yrok State and into New England. Our role right now is to identify areas where we can be sending cleanup teams to start to help,” said Bill Adams, the director of CRWRC Disaster Response Services.
“We started in North Carolina where we have communities there that we’ve worked with in the past years.”
Despite the poor reputation of the government relief agency FEMA, Adams insisted they that are actually doing a great job.
“Generally, FEMA does a much better job than the media gives them credit. We work with them every day. These are top rate people. Generally speaking they get a lot done,” Adams said.
“As somebody who works with them on the ground, we have the highest respect for them.”
(Image courtesty of NOAA).