BOONE, N.C., Aug. 25, 2017 —Samaritan’s Purse deployed two Disaster Relief Units to TexasFriday morning in preparation for Hurricane Harvey’s landfall. These tractor trailers will stand by in north Texas and move into areas of devastation as soon as weather permits. Stocked with tools, chainsaws and emergency supplies, the units provide the North Carolina-based organization with the equipment necessary to help families devastated by the storm.
Hurricane Harvey, which continues to strengthen, is expected to be the first Category 3 hurricane to make landfall in more than 11 years. Residents in its path have been encouraged to evacuate as damaging winds, record-breaking rainfall and a strong storm surge are anticipated.
“Hurricane Harvey is expected to bring catastrophic flooding and severe storm damage to the coast of Texas,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. “As we wait for the storm to hit, we are positioning supplies and planning to bring immediate assistance to affected families. Most importantly, we are praying for God’s protection for those in the storm’s path.”
Two disaster relief units, as well as tool trailers, mobile kitchens and skid steers, will be pre-positioned for a rapid response. Teams of volunteers are rallying with the international Christian relief organization to work in the hardest-hit areas—preparing to tear out damaged drywall, remove flooring, tarp roofs and clear debris.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
- Luther Harrison, vice president of North American Ministries for Samaritan’s Purse
- Tim Haas, manager of U.S. Disaster Relief for Samaritan’s Purse
- Todd Taylor, program manager of U.S. disaster relief for Samaritan’s Purse, on the ground in Texas on Sunday afternoon
- Photos and >b-roll of Disaster Relief Units on the way to Texas
Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team will be working alongside Samaritan’s Purse to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement.
For more information about how to help or volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse, go to spvolunteernetwork.org. Donations to help with the flood relief efforts can be made at samaritanspurse.org.
Samaritan’s Purse has helped more than 34,000 families in 35 states following floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and ice storms. In the past two years, the organization has responded in Texas nine times, six of which were flood responses. Recently, Samaritan’s Purse responded to flooding in Illinois and West Virginia.
