People in Louisiana and Mississippi are getting a better look today at the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida. Here in North Texas, help is already on the way to help in the recovery effort.
"It will be an extensive deployment with lots of people and lots of time and lots of resources," says John Hall, with Texas Baptist Men. The disaster relief group is sending 75 volunteers to Louisiana today to assess the damage. They're heading down with a mobile food pantry capable of serving 30,000 meals a day, as well as a laundry and shower unit.
"We'll assess the situation … see what needs need to be met," Hall says. "Then we'll send a second wave of volunteers behind this one."
Hall says TBM is doing whatever it can to help-- and it's not the only North Texas group taking action. Volunteers with the local chapter of the American Red Cross are already in Louisiana distributing cots, blankets, comfort kits and meals to people in hard-hit areas.
A Lewisville group called Global Medical Response says it’s sending first responders, ambulances, and helicopters.
In McKinney, the nonprofit Minuteman Disaster Response is sending a crew to help with swift water rescues, emergency communications and drone work.
"This is just the beginning of the disaster relief effort," Hall says. "This is going to be a long-term process. Recovering from a storm of this magnitude with this much strength will take people months and months."
He says if you want to help, the best thing you can do right now is donate.
"Give financially to a trusted organization," Hall says. "Find one that has been working for years in disaster relief and making a true difference."
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