On Tuesday morning, Oct. 4, Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti, causing massive destruction. It then moved on to hit Cuba and Jamaica with heavy rain and dangerous winds and is making its way toward the Bahamas, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. The National Hurricane Center has reported Hurricane Matthew to be “extremely dangerous” with conditions favorable for it to maintain its strength.
Lutheran Disaster Response is working with local partners to support relief efforts spanning across several countries, including Haiti and Cuba. In the U.S., Lutheran Disaster Response coordinators are collaborating with community leaders, civic organizations, ecumenical partners and officials to plan a response should it be needed, according to Dan Rift, director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal.
“The most affected groups are those most vulnerable living in areas along the coast, in low-lying areas or close to steep slopes,” said Sylvie Savard, country representative in the joint office of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe in Haiti, in an article posted on the LWF website. “People have been evacuated to save their lives, but the storm and the floods will have swept away what little they have.” The article also stated that LWF will distribute shelter material and hygiene kits. Lutheran Disaster Response is a partner of LWF.
In an email sent today, Oct. 5, on a response to Hurricane Matthew, Rift called ELCA members to prayer and to support relief efforts through their financial gifts.
For updates on the ELCA’s involvement in caring for those affected by Hurricane Matthew or to give to support relief efforts, visit ELCA.org/ldr.
