“We are on our way to the affected area to see firsthand the damage and listen to people’s stories. At this early stage there is not yet a request for clean-up crews because many of the damaged areas are not yet accessible,” said World Renew Regional Managers Rich and Pat Grasman.

The Grasmans are traveling to Missouri with World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) after widespread flooding caused several fatalities last week. The rising flood water cut off many areas in the St. Louis metro area and both the Meramec and Mississippi Rivers crested over the weekend. The water reached record highs in some areas, but thankfully it was less severe than predicted in others.

“World Renew DRS, along with state, federal, and local organizations, is participating in daily situation calls to help coordinate the immediate response,” said Grasmans. “We will begin offering World Renew services to the most affected communities as they work through the first crucial days and weeks after the flood and then begin planning for the months to come. World Renew’s focus is on the long-term recovery of disaster survivors. It is not uncommon for World Renew DRS volunteers to be present in a flooded community long after a disaster occurs.”

Areas in southern Missouri were affected by the flood but their needs have not been addressed thoroughly by responders. The Grasmans will visit these communities to find out what help they might need and how World Renew can support their recovery.

If you would like to donate to support those affected by disasters this year, please give to North American Disasters 2017. 

Consider volunteering this year in a disaster-affected community. Visit worldrenew.net/volunteer to find out more.

 

Image: Missouri National Guardsmen support civilian volunteers in building sandbag walls in Eureka, Mo., May 2, 2017. Army National Guard photo by Pfc Garrett Bradley