Samaritan’s Purse is gearing up to help people in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew
Samaritan’s Purse has deployed to three flood-damaged locations in South Carolina and North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew’s deadly and destructive path.
Volunteer NowOur disaster relief units—tractor-trailers packed with equipment and supplies—are in South Carolina in Beaufort County (Bluffton) and Horry County (Myrtle Beach area) and in eastern North Carolina in Edgecombe County (Pinetops).
Our base of operations in Bluffton is LowCountry Community Church located at 801 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, SC 29910. Many homes and businesses in the area are still without power. Samaritan’s Purse is assisting homeowners within a 30-mile radius of Bluffton.
Our base of operations in Horry County is Forestbrook Baptist Church located at 2051 Forestbrook Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588.
In eastern North Carolina, which has been devastated by record-setting flooding, we are based at Pines Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 502 E. Hamlet Street, Pinetops, NC 27864.
North Carolina was pummeled by 16 inches of rain after Hurricane Matthew, and some swollen rivers did not crest until nearly a week after the storm. The Neuse River in Kinston has crested at a record level of 28 feet. Some towns such as Princeville, about 10 miles from Pinetops, remain under water. Neighborhoods are still closed due to the likelihood of flash floods, and more than 660 roads throughout central and eastern North Carolina are also closed. More than 2,000 people have been rescued across the state.
As our volunteers arrive, they are coming alongside hurting homeowners to clear wind and flood damage, especially downed trees. In time, they will also complete mud-outs. We are there to assist in Jesus’ Name, and God is already opening doors for our witness. Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains have deployed alongside our teams.
Our disaster relief unit arriving in Bluffton, South Carolina
Hurricane Matthew is long gone, but it wreaked havoc from the Caribbean to the Carolinas, killing more than 900 people in Haiti and claiming more than 45 lives as it churned across four southeastern states. North Carolina’s death toll stands at 26, and may climb higher.
Please be diligent in prayer for the people affected by this deadly storm. Ask God that He will use our staff and volunteers to bring comfort and meet the physical needs of homeowners. Most important, pray that many people will see their need for Jesus Christ and place their trust in Him as Lord and Savior.
Many volunteers will be needed during this response. Visit SP Volunteer Network for volunteer updates.
This story was originally published on October 11, but has been frequently updated. The last update was on October 15 at 8:45 p.m.
