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Disaster Response Committee Report September 23, 2005
Dear fellow Chaplains We have all been watching “Rita” as the Gulf Coast prepares for another category-three landfall, the second this month. It is moving towards the Houston-Galveston region. As we wait to see just where the eye will touch the coast tomorrow morning, we have seen the levees already fail in New Orleans, with parts of the city being covered by rising flood waters again. This, along with the congested evacuation routes, rapidly filling shelters, tragic bus fire, and other events being reported on CNN makes our hearts fill with compassion and concern for those in harms way. Chuck Lorrain and I have been sending e-mails, talking on the phone, and getting faxes continually today, as we try to put final preparations in place. President Craig Hungler, just returned from New Orleans, has also been in touch both by E-mail and phone to express his support, offer assistance, and remind us all of the outstanding work the ICPC Chaplains who have been deployed are doing. This update is just to let all our members know that we are focused and functioning, ready to respond when we know what the needs are. Hurricane Katrina Operations Continue Meanwhile other operations following Katrina continue. In Baton Rouge we are based at the Louisiana State Police Training Facility, working closely with the Louisiana State Police providing spiritual care to them and visiting State Police officers from all over the country. In New Orleans we continue to support the New Orleans Police Department while in the Gulf Port area we continue to work with multiple local Police Departments. Hurricane Rita Operations We have finished the first phase of our work with the Houston Police Department and await further requests depending on Rita’s severity. Tonight we are in a holding pattern until we are able to evaluate Rita’s damage and see what needs this second disaster produces. Thanks to all of you who have called to offer your help. We will be deciding on our next step in responding to these disasters when we see what the morning brings. Reports Field and After Action Reports emphasize the need for lots of high powered bug repellant and the necessity for Hepatitis inoculations. Thanks for the After Actions Reports to date. For those who are still working on them, I look forward to reading your analysis and recommendations. I will continue to keep you updated. Pray for the Chaplains we have deployed and for the victims. Peace Dr. Wayne Whitelock, CMC |