Hurricane Michael devastated Florida’s panhandle as he roared ashore a category 4 storm. In the final hours before landfall on October 10, the hurricane rapidly intensified. The catastrophic storm caught many by surprise. Winds of up to 155 mph obliterated houses, ripped off roofs, splintered trees, smashed power lines, and left homeowners reeling in the aftermath. In some places, entire blocks were nearly wiped
Michael is the strongest hurricane on record to hit Florida’s panhandle and the third strongest hurricane to make landfall in the continental U.S. Only an unnamed hurricane in 1935 and Hurricane Camille in 1969 made landfall with greater intensity.
After lashing Florida and Georgia, Michael downgraded to a tropical storm and headed for the Carolinas, dumping rain where people were still recovering from Hurricane Florence.
Rapid Response teams research damage
“It’s like a 40-mile-wide tornado went through,” said a Rapid Response team member who was researching the damage near Blountstown, Florida. “Roofs are gone and buildings are blown apart,” reported another team member.
How we plan to help
We plan to focus intently on providing cleanup in the coming weeks, especially in low-income areas of Florida and Georgia. At the time of this writing, the Loaves & Fishes Food Kitchen is gearing up to provide hot meals for those affected by the storm. Our chaplain ministry workers will reach out to those in distress. In the coming months, we will likely also help with rebuilding.
Pray for the many people facing an overwhelming period of recovery. For some, it could take years. Pray also for our Rapid Response team members as they investigate needs and find ways to help.
If you wish to help support those affected by Hurricane Michael and other disasters in the U.S., your contribution will be a blessing. God bless you!
