Updates

Hurricane Katrina Update August 30 2:30 PM CST

As the storm subsides and the first responder units from the Coast Guard, National Guard, Red Cross and local government agencies begin to survey the damage and rescue the stranded, one fact becomes increasingly clear. The damage inflicted by hurricane Katrina is far worse than predicted yesterday. 80% of New Orleans remains underwater as crews rush to stop up gaps in the levy system and rescue the thousands of people stranded on rooftops across the Gulf Coast.

Officials in Mississippi, which suffered the worst of the damage, estimate that several hundred people lost their lives in that state alone. Nearly two million people are without power in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama; roads remain closed and flood waters have not receded. An oil rig, knocked loose from its moorings in the Gulf of Mexico destroyed a major highway bridge in Mobile, Alabama, crippling what little transportation is available in the city.

The devastation of Katrina far exceeds that of all four hurricanes to hit the region in August of 2004, while at the same time, relief efforts from those storms are still ongoing. Nazarene Disaster Response continues to stand ready with volunteers, Crisis Care Kits, food, water and construction supplies to be delivered as soon as the roads reopen on Wednesday night or Thursday. Churches throughout the region have opened their facilities for those who will still be unable to return home for at least two more days.

A number of Nazarenes from New Orleans managed to leave the city and find refuge at the District Campground, where they remain. Until a time when return is safe, it is impossible to predict the damage to churches and homes

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark their checks payable to General Treasurer, Church of the Nazarene with "ACM1801 Hurricane Katrina Relief” in the memo line.

• On-line using VISA or MasterCard
• OR In the US, make checks payable to: General Treasurer
• and mail to:
  General Treasurer
  6401 The Paseo
  Kansas City, MO 64131
• In Canada, make checks payable to: Church of the Nazarene
• and mail to:
  Church of the Nazarene Canada
  20 Regan Road, Unit 9
  Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

All donations remitted through NCM and the General Treasurers Office will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.

NCM is the liaison between the pressing needs of the world and the individuals that are committed to making a difference. We understand that you may not be able to respond to every need. However, we want to keep you informed of the opportunities for your involvement in projects such as this. Every project deserves your individual consideration.