USA (MNN) — Cleanup in Florida
continues in the wake of damaging storms and deadly tornadoes late last
week.
President Bush declared Lake, Sumter, Volusia and Seminole counties a
disaster area. That gives storm victims
the opportunity to apply for federal aid and move into temporary housing. Called
the state's deadliest storm in at least a decade, statewide damage estimates
have already topped $100 million and could rise further.
All told, over two thousand homes were severely damaged or
destroyed by the storm, which spawned at least three tornadoes. Thousands are
without shelter or food.
Operation Blessing International responded immediately,
sending emergency aid and teams from their Ocala
warehouse in Florida. The
relief crew met Sunday with the Florida
director from Southern Baptist Disaster Relief to mount the critical clean-up
effort in the hardest hit areas.
OBI also dispatched a mobile kitchen, sleeping cots, a
crane, and a disaster relief work trailer full of chain saws and other
equipment. In cooperation with Lady Lakes Church of God, FEMA, Compassion
Tampa and Intensive Care Ministries, the teams are working in full support of
the relief effort, setting up relief distribution sites and base camps for
volunteers.
Damage assessment continues, and OBI is asking for prayer
support for the teams as they meet the needs as the hands and feet of Christ. Click here if you'd like to help their tornado relief efforts.
