August 29, 2005

CHICAGO – Hurricane Katrina appears to be one of the largest hurricanes to ever impact the United States, according to Heather L. Feltman, director for Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Lutheran Disaster Response is "standing ready" to respond, she said.

"Hurricane Katrina made landfall in southern Florida last week, where it caused significant flooding. Accessibility is limited in some low-lying areas," said Feltman. Flood water and tropical storm force winds – still happening in the Florida Keys – hinder clean-up work, she said. Feltman also serves as director for ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.

Lutheran Disaster Response is "standing ready to enter impacted areas as soon as it is deemed safe to do so," said Feltman.

"We have been in contact with our judicatory leaders and will share information as we receive it. Mandatory evacuation has been ordered for New Orleans and the Mississippi coast. Our Lutheran Disaster Response coordinators will be organizing volunteers to assist in the removal of debris and clean up as soon as possible," she said.

ELCA News Service