How to Help Victims of the Louisiana Flooding

The catastrophic flooding in Louisiana is the worst U.S. disaster since Hurricane Sandy, says the Red Cross. At least 13 people are dead and 40,000 homes are damaged, according to reports. Some 86,000 people have already applied for federal disaster aid across the disaster area, which spans across more than 20 parishes.

To make matters worse, the forecast calls for scattered storms, and Louisiana’s flat topography will make for a very slow recovery.

Author, blogger and Louisiana resident Sara Horn, who was recently a guest on our broadcast, described the destruction:

The water came fast and no one was prepared for what was happening…

This was rain. This wasn’t a tropical depression, or a hurricane. This was RAIN. And no one had any idea it would be this bad.

Whole subdivisions had flooded. Cars were covered. People were on roofs. In attics. People needing rescuing.

This isn’t New Orleans. We’re in a suburb north of Baton Rouge. We’re not below sea level. We’re 102 feet above if you really want to know… For the last 5 days, since Saturday morning, Louisianans have been doing everything we can to help those who needed help. If your house was spared, you know 10 others whose houses weren’t.

Certainly, as Sara describes, the pain and loss are great.

The need is overwhelming.

That’s why, if you’re able, I hope you’ll consider giving to the various organizations that are providing disaster relief. Three such groups are the North American Mission Board’s Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, Convoy of Hope, and The Salvation Army.

And our Louisiana neighbors also need our prayers. Please pray for the flood victims: the displaced families and those who have lost everything. Please pray for the volunteers, first responders, and rescue crews who are serving the people impacted by the waters. Pray that, in the midst of the heartbreak, God will be glorified as His people move to aid the hurting.