World Renew Disaster Response Services had feet on the ground in Texas just a few days after the historic flooding at the end of May. During Memorial Day alone, nearly 11 inches of rain fell on Houston and surrounding communities.
The Ackermans are project managers for World Renew DRS. They met with survivors such as the Rodriguez family as well as local officials, and other responding organizations as first steps in the recovery process.
“The flood hit their ground floor apartment quickly, allowing Mr. Rodriguez only enough time to get his wife, 12 year old, 5 year old, and 18 month old out of their home with only the clothing on their backs and a stroller, says the Ackermans “They were able to get more clothing at a clothing bank after a couple of days. All of their belongings fit on the stroller which they keep with them at all times.”
Areas of Texas and Oklahoma have been fighting through damage from a series of storms that have left their communities in a state of emergency.
Unfortunately, this situation is not isolated to the Rodriguez family, their community, or even the state of Texas. Areas of Texas and Oklahoma have been fighting through damage from a series of storms that have left their communities in a state of emergency. On June 1, the President declared a major disaster in multiple counties throughout Texas that were affected by various storms that began May 4, 2015 and continued through the month.
World Renew DRS is also in Oklahoma this week. Mark and Carol Martin are meeting with survivors and responding organizations in the affected areas.
“The damage is so wide spread in Oklahoma,” says the Martins. “Three counties were federally declared earlier in May and on June 1 the Governor requested a federal declaration for 13 more counties. Some areas still have flooding and so many people don’t know where to start. It’s going to be a long road of recovery.”
Storm damage has been reported in 70 of the 77 counties in Oklahoma and initial damage assessments have only just begun.
“There has been storm after storm all month,” says the Martins. “Oklahoma is used to tornadoes so this massive flooding is quite a surprise.”
World Renew DRS is also currently scouting for communities in Texas and Oklahoma that need help with clean-up once areas are made accessible.
Give today to Spring Storms 2015…
…ensure World Renew can respond in Christ’s name in the next days, months, and even years, helping the elderly, disabled, those living in poverty or without the resources to recover on their own.
See worldrenew.net/drs to learn more about the services World Renew DRS provides.
If you are interested in being a part of a rapid response team to help with clean-up, please contact [email protected] today to be added to a list (with no obligation) and be contacted as details fall into place.