Sustained winds of 150 mph made landfall near Cameron, Louisiana Thursday morning as a Category 4 storm — one of the most powerful to ever hit the USA. Lake Charles, Louisiana was hit hard with widespread damage from violent 134 MPH winds; thankfully, the extreme storm surge that was predicted from Hurricane Laura did not materialize. A Hope Force International (HFI) assessment team has been on location since Wednesday, late morning. The team confirms that extensive wind-born damage has occurred and the need for help and hope is great. We are working to establish an operations center, which will enable HFI to engage in desperately needed relief and recovery efforts. As of this writing, volunteers are making their way from across the country to the Lake Charles area to join the assessment team and to begin providing immediate relief aid.
HFI will focus primarily on blue tarp application in an effort to minimize further damage stemming from water penetration. While wind damage is the predominant need, water damage remediation assistance is a likely need as well, and one that HFI is prepared to address. Hope Force will also be serving the survivors through offering emotional and spiritual care with trained chaplains on site.
We know from experience that there are many survivors in Louisiana that are still trying to come to terms with what just happened. Their home, with so many memories, is in shambles; they have no access to electricity, have holes in their roofs, trees down, broken windows, debris all around. It is overwhelming — a daunting and seemingly insurmountable challenge. In the coming days, we will be telling stories of survivors and the amazing love of God demonstrated to them through tangible and practical acts of kindness.
We are grateful for our partnerships and donors who have make this work possible – allowing HFI to offer services at no cost. Please pray that God will enable us to do the most good possible, for the safety of our team members…and for guidance as we seek out those who are in great need.
Please stand by for further details.
Thank you to all who are praying, giving…and for all who are responding to bring help and hope to survivors in Lake Charles!
