In both Europe and the Middle East, Samaritan’s Purse is ministering to people who are fleeing terror.
--> Share Tweet Pin Emaily SubscribeHurricane Irma has left death and destruction in its wake as the storm churns through the Caribbean headed for a weekend landing in Florida.
<!-- URGENT: If you're a Texas homeowner in need because of Hurricane Harvey, please see our list of contact phone numbers. If would like to volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, please go to our Volunteer Network to sign up and get the latest information. Thousands of volunteers will be needed for months to come. -->Samaritan’s Purse is first responding to help hurting people on the island country of St. Maarten, where Irma caused widespread destruction.
On Sept. 8 we sent critically needed supplies and a disaster assistance response team there to relieve suffering in the Name of Jesus Christ. Using our DC-8 cargo plane, we airlifted heavy-duty shelter plastic, family hygiene kits, and blankets for more than 2,000 families. Additional emergency flights will be arriving on hard-hit islands in the days ahead.
One of the most powerful Atlantic Ocean storms in recorded history, Irma made its first landfall September 6, lashing the eastern Leeward Islands. Its 185-mph winds decimated Antigua and obliterated 60 to 90 percent of the buildings on the island of Barbuda. Gaston Browne, the prime minister of Barbuda, said the island is "literally rubble."
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-->After ripping up St. Maarten, heavy rains and a powerful storm surge lashed the Turks and Caicos islands. Cuba and the Bahamas are being affect by Irma's winds and rains today. The Category 5 hurricane has now been downgraded to a Category 4 but remains extremely dangerous.
By Sunday, Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States may feel Irma’s fury. Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for all 67 counties. The southwestern coast of Florida, including Naples and Fort Myers, seems to be in the for the worst of it. Miami, Tampa, and Orlando will likely be affected. The governors of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia have also urged their residents to be ready for this storm.
As we continue to serve people in Texas in the Name of Jesus Christ, Samaritan’s Purse is also putting equipment into position for a U.S. Disaster Relief response to support people affected by Irma.
You can also make a donation by mail. Send to: Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 <!-- Please note: We ask that you do not send water, food, clothing, and other household items to Samaritan’s Purse—our Texas church partners have informed us that they already have an overabundance of such items. --> <!-- -->
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