Two weeks after Hurricane Laura ripped through parts of Texas and Louisiana, a massive cleanup is underway. Here’s how you can help.
By Heather Newgen
Hurricane Laura made landfall in the Gulf Coast on August 27th as a Category 4 storm, bringing with it 150 mph winds and significant storm surge. 27 people have died as a result and according to Forbes, residents in the hardest hit areas are still without running water and power. The outlet reports, “as of Thursday afternoon, more than 280,000 people in southwest Louisiana didn’t have clean drinking water in their homes, with 14,475 lacking running water altogether.”
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In addition, Hurricane Laura destroyed much of the farmland in the south western part of Louisiana and now farmers are dealing with another major issue– swarms of mosquitoes are killing off thousands of cattle and horses, causing farmers to take a huge financial loss. The thick clouds of mosquitoes are attacking the livestock by draining their blood with numerous bites. The animals pace frantically in the heat trying to fight them off until they’re exhausted and pass out, USA Today reports.
Estimates vary, but most experts suggest the damage due to Hurricane Laura is in the billions.
As Covid-19 rages on, rebuilding communities will be a complicated and challenging feat. Organizations are working to give aid to the victims, but additional assistance is needed.
Here are ways to help the Hurricane Laura victims in Louisiana and Texas.
DONATE
The Louisiana Farm Bureau Foundation helps farmers affected by Hurricane Laura and is accepting donations, which will help keep agriculture alive in Louisiana.
Global Giving has set up a fund to provide food, water and shelter.
United Way of Southwest Louisiana is distributing funds to victims.
The Salvation Army disaster teams in Louisiana and Texas are “providing food, drinks, emotional & spiritual care and other emergency services in the wake of Hurricane Laura.”
Second Harvest Food Bank is providing meals to families in need.
VOLUNTEER
World Central Kitchen needs volunteers to prepare and deliver fresh meals to first responders and people affected by Hurricane Laura.
Red Cross is seeking volunteers to give blood and licensed health care professionals to work in emergency shelters.
The Houston Food Bank is accepting donations and volunteers.
Operation Blessing is on the ground in Lake Charles, an area devastated by Hurricane Laura. Volunteers are needed to help in debris cleanup and assist homeowners salvage their belongings.