This article was originally posted on christianaidministries.org.
Navigating around closed roads, rising waters and torrential rains, our disaster relief teams continue to actively research the flooded areas of southeast Texas and prepare for long-term involvement in Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath.
“It’s a disaster,” said Chris Troyer, Texas Rapid Response team coordinator. “Lots of wind damage. Roofs that should be tarped. A lot of trees down.” Thousands have lost their homes, businesses, vehicles and belongings in what officials are calling one of the worst flooding disasters in recent U.S. history.
“This is going to be bigger than anything I’ve ever seen,” Chris says.
Before the storm ever hit, our Search and Rescue (SAR) teams had headed to Texas, making themselves available to help rescue people stranded in flooded areas. On Saturday “it all broke loose,” said Marcus Miller, Ohio SAR team coordinator. “I think every person I contacted earlier that day decided to call me at once. Each needed our assistance.”
In one hard-hit area, as helicopters pulled people off rooftops, the SAR teams began rescuing with their two boats. “We were picking up stranded people at their flooded homes and bringing them to a safe location.”
The Rapid Response Loaves & Fishes food kitchen team is on its way to Texas and plans to start serving meals to homeless flood survivors in the town of Victoria.
Pray for the many people suffering from this horrific disaster. Hurricane Harvey is predicted to bring even more damage in the following days as it stalls and continues to dump rain, up to 50 inches in some areas. Pray for our team and the many others who are trying to sort through needs and response as best as possible.
Severe Flooding and Storm Damage Expected from Hurricane Harvey
Rapid Response Services coordinates volunteers to help with cleanup, repairs, and search and rescue in the aftermath of storms and floods in the United States. If you would like to help make these projects possible, you can donate below. Thank you for your support!