US Catholic Charities rush aid to areas devastated by Hurricane Ida

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Source: Chicago Catholic/USCCB

Catholic Charities in and around the areas of Louisiana and Mississippi affected by Hurricane Ida - one of the most powerful storms to hit the continental US since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 - are collecting donations as they prepare to help with the yet-unknown damage caused by the late August storm, Chicago Catholic reports.

In a televised meeting with President Joe Biden, on 30 August, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said he estimated that close to two million are without electricity in the region, though news reports said about one million were affected.

Many remained without cellphone service and at least four deaths had been confirmed by 31 August; a 71-year-old man is missing but presumed dead after his wife reported that he'd been attacked by a large alligator while walking the flood waters surrounding their home in Slidell, Louisiana, the St Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reported on 30 August.

The local agency warned those in the affected areas "to be extra vigilant with walking in flooded areas as wildlife has been displaced as well during this storm and alligators and other animals may have moved closer into neighbourhoods."

Edwards said the death toll likely will rise.

Many Sunday Masses had been suspended in the region as residents prepared to ride out the storm or had evacuated.

Edwards said the damage was "catastrophic" as news outlets showed flooded and destroyed homes, torn roofs and water running through Louisiana streets like a rushing river.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), said: "Hurricane Ida has hit the Gulf Coast and brought with it catastrophic damage with wind, rain, storm surges, and flooding. As the storm moves inland, it continues to hit communities in several states and causing damage. Multiple dioceses of the Church in the United States have been affected. I call on people of good will to join me in praying for the safety, well-being, and protection of everyone in these impacted areas. We also pray in a special way for the first responders, health care workers, and emergency personnel who bring relief, comfort, and healing. I urge our Catholic faithful and all people of good will across the country to stand in solidarity with these impacted communities. We entrust all our brothers and sisters in harm's way to our Blessed Mother, and we ask for her continued protection and for her intercession in comforting the those who are suffering.

"Catholics and all people of good will may help our brothers and sisters in their recovery by supporting the work of Catholic Charities USA,

LINKS

Catholic Charities - www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/2021-priorities

Chicago Catholic: www.chicagocatholic.com/u.s./-/article/2021/08/30/dioceses-emerge-from-hurricane-ida-s-wrath-as-others-prepare-to-help