Disaster Response Team Deploys in Anticipation of Hurricane Gustav
On the heels of the three-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Convoy of Hope’s United States Disaster Response team is once again deploying to the Gulf Coast, this time in anticipation of Hurricane Gustav. The fleet of trucks loaded with water and supplies, along with a Mobile Command Center (MCC), departed at 8:30 Sunday evening.
Convoy of Hope president Hal Donaldson says the organization is prepared to meet the basic needs of tens of thousands of Gulf residents if it becomes necessary. “Our trained personnel, corporate sponsors, church partners, and individual donors will once again link arms to meet the needs of a significant number of people, just like we did following Katrina and many other disasters.”
As the Disaster Response team heads towards the Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center predictions for Gustav’s trajectory will help determine where the truckloads of supplies are positions. The teams will secure safe staging areas and move in to affected areas as soon as the winds diminish.
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour has issued mandatory evacuation orders beginning Sunday morning for citizens living in FEMA travel trailers, FEMA mobile homes, designated flood zones, and other at risk areas. Louisiana is evacuating citizens with special needs and has plans for a more widespread evacuation as Gustav nears.
As it responds to Hurricane Gustav, Convoy of Hope staff continues to monitor the development of hurricane Hannah, which is escalating and will create additional needs.
If you would like to help Convoy of Hope as we respond to these hurricanes, you can make a secure online donation right now!