Recent flooding in Texas and North Carolina has taken lives, destroyed homes, and devastated communities. The Board of World Mission is in contact with partners in both Texas and North Carolina to determine current needs and stay updated on how we can best assist. The update below comes from our partners at Church World Service (CWS). Any donations received now would be sent to the CWS Emergency Response Fund for their deployment through our ecumenical partnership; we will continue to share updates on any additional avenues of support as we receive more information.
Over the weekend devastating flash floods in TX took the lives of over 100 individuals and has left a path of destruction that has yet to be fully exposed due to continued rain and flooding in some areas while any thunderstorms occurring could exacerbate flash flood risks due to already saturated ground.
Over the past 72 hours, multiple regions have received 12–24 inches of rain. Continued rainfall of 7–10 inches is possible in localized areas including the Edwards Plateau, Hill Country, and adjacent regions. Continued rain in conjunction with high temperatures ranging from 95F to 103F threaten to complicate response conditions due to extreme heat.
Search and rescue efforts are turning to search and recovery as officials begin to assess damages and determine next steps in the response efforts. Widespread road closures have been reported throughout the area as bridge assessment and repair teams begin to mobilize. Several VOAD organizations have deployed and are providing immediate relief to support families in congregate shelters including hot meals for first responders. One of the most immediate unmet needs is emotional and spiritual care.
EPRR staff have participated in both the TX VOAD and San Antonio VOAD coordination calls as we continue to gather information and assess needs while the HSPRS team has been going through their client list to determine if any minors/sponsors were impacted. EPRR is also coordinating with a trusted VOAD partner, directly connected with city management in Kerrville, we are shipping 540 Emergency Cleanup Buckets; 600 Hygiene Kits; 175 Period Packs; 150 Light Blankets all valued at $54,500.
The EPRR team is also tracking flood relief efforts in NC as heavy rains from tropical storm Chantal by participating in NC VOAD calls and communicating with partners in the region. No requests for additional support have been reported at this time however, damage assessments are just beginning.
100% of the donations received for our MDR Fund go to providing relief for these disasters. You can assist us with our disaster response efforts by giving online at MoravianMission.org/Give. Please designate your gift to “MDR” to ensure that funds can be directed to the disaster relief efforts where there is the greatest need. Please make checks payable to “Board of World Mission” and send to:
U.S. Donors: Board of World Mission, 1021 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Canadian Donors: Moravian Church in Canada, 600 Acadia Drive SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0B8. Interac e-Transfer donations may be sent to [email protected]. Include your name and address in the comments section of the transfer to receive tax receipts.
