Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, have been monitoring Hurricane Ida and the destruction it left in its path through the southern and northeastern coastal states. They are in close contact with Rev. Ross Johnson and Rev. Michael Meyer from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response, as well as District Presidents and Disaster Response Coordinators.

Ida, a Category 4 hurricane, produced winds up to 150 mph, ten tornados, and historic flash flooding as it moved inland across eight states this past week. FEMA is currently reporting 65 deaths, with this number expected to rise. Millions of residents and businesses are without power in multiple states, which may take weeks to restore. Thousands of people have lost their homes, belongings, security, and hope.
 
LCC L.E.R.T. disaster response teams will be assisting the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southern District, working with Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator through Atonement Lutheran Church in Metairie, Louisiana, when it is safe for volunteers to deploy. There is no electricity, water pressure is extremely low and the sewer systems are not operational and will not be for some time all throughout the state of Louisiana. This means that it is very difficult to get food, gas and other essential items needed for residents and volunteers. Pastor Ed is currently assessing damage, determining equipment needs, planning for safe volunteer lodging and deployments. More importantly, he is offering the hope of Jesus Christ in the hard hit communities of Metairie, Houma, Thibodaux, Raceland, LaPlace and Lafitte.

Please continue to pray for all of those affected by Hurricane Ida and for all of the first responders, volunteers, and LCMS and LCC Disaster Response teams who serve them. If you are so moved, please donate generously to help LCC support the recovery efforts in these hard-hit communities.
 
Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response stands ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
 
The LCC Disaster Response Ministry never charges those we serve. Please donate to the LCC Disaster Response General Fund or Equipment Maintenance & Fuel Expense Fund so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

On August 29, the 16th anniversary of the devastating Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ida made landfall in southern Louisiana with Category 4 strength of 150+ mph winds, slamming into Port Fourchon, Leeville, and Grand Isle. One of the strongest storms to make landfall is now a massive tropical storm moving slowly at 8 mph but plowing a destructive path through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida.

Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, have been monitoring the storm since Sunday and are in close contact with Rev. Ross Johnson and Rev. Michael Meyer from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Disaster Response, as well as District Presidents and Disaster Response Coordinators.

Pastor Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, will begin assessments in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama as soon as it is safe to do so. Mid-South District President Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola stated he would closely watch the storm’s path through his district in Mississippi and Tennessee. Both intend to keep LCC posted on the effects of Hurricane Ida on their respective Districts and how LCC can assist with recovery efforts.

Packing a powerful punch, Ida continues to produce flash flooding as well as tornadoes as it moves inland over the next several days. Emergency Management is currently reporting four deaths in Louisiana and Mississippi. Other residents are being rescued from attics and rooftops in LaPlace, Louisiana. Over one million residents and businesses are without power which may take weeks to restore.

Much of Louisiana has lost water supply due to the storm. Ida has dropped more than 10 inches of rain in the past 48 hours over portions of Louisiana and Mississippi, some areas toppling 18 inches. Both Louisiana and Mississippi will experience major power outages, water and gas shortages for several weeks. Extensive damage has been reported in the following cities so far with many more areas continuing to be impacted:

Louisiana: Delacroix, Golden Meadow, Gray, Grand Isle, Houma, LaFitte, LaPlace, Leeville, New Orleans, Port Fourchon, Raceland, Thibodeaux, Venice
Mississippi: Gulfport, Jackson

Please pray for the safety of those in the path of Hurricane Ida and for all of the first responders, volunteers, and LCMS and LCC Disaster Response teams who serve them. If you are so moved, please donate generously to help LCC support the recovery efforts in the hardest-hit communities.

Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response stands ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.