Impact of Hurricane Beryl and the Corresponding Response by Christian Relief Orgs
Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane early Monday, has claimed the lives of eleven people in the U.S. and left a trail of devastation. The storm’s damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall have inundated communities, toppled large trees, and damaged hundreds of homes, particularly in Brazoria County. In the aftermath, 1.3 million people are racing to restore power as a dangerous heat wave continues to grip the region.
Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Disaster Relief Unit to Southeast Texas
In response to the severe impact of Hurricane Beryl, Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization, has expanded its efforts to assist the hard-hit areas in Texas. The organization has dispatched a Disaster Relief Unit, a tractor-trailer filled with tools and equipment, to Brazoria County to support the recovery efforts. Teams of volunteers will be mobilized to clear debris, cut downed trees, and tarp damaged roofs. Samaritan’s Purse is coordinating with local churches and emergency management in Brazoria County to identify the areas of greatest need.
“Hurricane Beryl has wiped out entire islands and left total destruction in its wake—both in the Caribbean and now the U.S.,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “I am heartbroken for those who have lost loved ones and for the families who must now rebuild their lives. Please join me in praying for them and for our Samaritan’s Purse teams who are responding in Jesus’ Name.”
Ongoing Efforts in the Caribbean
Relief work by Samaritan’s Purse and other Christian relief organizations including Crisis Response International continues across three island nations in the Caribbean: Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica. Since last Tuesday, the organization has launched four DC-8 cargo flights to the Caribbean, delivering over 220,000 pounds of life-saving aid, including an Emergency Field Hospital that is operating on the flattened island of Carriacou in Grenada.
CRI is currently on the ground on the islands of Mayreau, St. Vincent and Grenadine’s in partnership with YWAM, rebuilding homes, and calling for volunteers to join them.
Samaritan’s Purse staff on the Caribbean islands have distributed thousands of shelter tarps, solar lights, hygiene kits, and provided clean water through the use of desalination units. This comprehensive relief effort is being conducted by 80 Samaritan’s Purse disaster responders in coordination with local church partners throughout the Caribbean.
