PPM Disaster Response: Eyes on Idalia

PPM has been in contact with partner in the Valdosta, GA area as well as partners in areas south of Perry, FL.  We have heard that at this time a lot of the work is tree removal and debris clean up.  We will have limited availability for teams to come and serve in these affected areas in 2024.  If you are interested in bringing a team to assist with this most recent Florida Hurricane, please fill out the inquiry form on this page and a member of our disaster response team will be in contact with you.

Photo Credit: Sean Rayford/Getty Images

This afternoon we received updates from some of our partners in Whiteville and Wilmington North Carolina that they were experiencing some significant flooding.  A couple of the partners we were able to make contact with had water already inside their church or non-profit building.  The City of Whiteville declared a state of emergency as water had risen 20 inches throughout the city.  Please continue to pray for all the people affected by Idalia.  The scope of devastation throughout 4 states is heartbreaking, but we know we serve a God who works all things out for good.  PPM is actively contacting our church partners as well as past teams to see where we can assist.  Please continue to check this page for updates on response.  If you are feeling called to serve immediately please fill out the inquiry form and we can direct you to ways in which you can serve!  

Photo Credit: By Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

Now that the storm is beginning to move back into the Atlantic and response teams are able to move in and start assisting communities we have a better understanding of the situation on the ground.  Currently around 300,000 homes and businesses are without power across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolina's.  Flooding has been severe throughout Georgia and the Carolina's with Charleston Harbor in South Carolina recording a storm surge of over 9 feet.  This morning PPM will be working to connect with our affiliated churches throughout the affected areas.  We will be working with them to put together a locally driven response effort.  Please continue to pray for all the people affected by the storm.  Pray they are able to find good temporary housing, and for their safety as they navigate the debris in their communities.  As we gear up for responding your financial partnership would mean so much.  If it is within your means, please consider a donation to our GiveButter.  All donations will go towards assisting our local church partners and their communities throughout the affected areas.

Photo Credit: Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images

Idalia has continued to slow as it has moved north over Georgia and South Carolina.  It is now classified as a Tropical Storm with sustained winds of 65mph.  We praise God that at this time a greater loss of life has not been reported from any areas.  Charleston, South Carolina is beginning to take the brunt of Idalia and they are experiencing a much higher storm surge than was predicted.  We are monitoring Georgia and South Carolina for significant flooding.  At this time we are hearing reports out of Valdosta, GA that rescue crews have had to assist homeowners trapped in their homes from the rising flood waters.  Please continue to pray for the safety of all those in Idalia's path, and please pray for the safety of all the first responders as they begin to do damage assesments.  Continue to monitor this site for how Praying Pelican plans to respond and for more updates.

Photo Credit: REUTERS/Cheney Orr

Hurricane Idalia made landfall this morning around 9am.  It had sustained winds of 110mph and brought immense flooding.  The Big Bend region of Florida was hit the worst with places like Cedar Key seeing an 8-9 foot storm surge.  Cities along the coast are experiencing a lot of flooding.  This area of Florida has not experienced anything like this in nearly 125 years.  Currently there are still 49 Florida counties out of 67 under a State of Emergency.  Over 230,000 homes and businesses are without power, and that number is expected to increase.  We have been able to connect with all of our partners on the West coast of Florida and they have all said that besides the wind taking down some tree limbs they are alright.  Thank you all for your prayers as the storm approached.  We are still monitoring Idalia as it makes its' way into Georgia and North Carolina.  Please continue to pray for the safety of those in Georgia and North Carolina who could experience devastating flooding.  Continue to monitor this site for ways PPM might be assisting in the affected communities. 

Photo Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

We have heard from our partners in Fort Myers and Cape Coral that the outer bands of the storm are just beginning to reach them.  Idalia is expected to make landfall tomorrow morning.  Currently it is a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 105 mph.  A storm surge of 10 to 15 feet is expected along coastal regions and up many of the rivers in the Big Bend area of Florida.  Governor Desantis is urging residents along the coast and next to rivers to evacuate.  Please continue to pray for the safety of all those in the path of the storm.  Pray also for all the survivors of Ian who are dealing with anxiety and fear of going through another serious storm.   Praying Pelican Missions will continue to monitor the situation and will remain in contact with our Florida partners as much as we are able.  Please continue to check here for updates and what PPM is doing in response.

Hurrican Idalia is gaining strength as it approaches the Big Bend area of Flordia.  USA Today claims that there has never been a major hurricane to hit this area of Florida in all of their historical data dating back to 1851.  Residents are urged to take this storm seriously.  In speaking with our contacts at FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, they are expecting a substantial storm surge as the storm broaches the Floridian shores.  We will be watching closely as the storm makes landfall tomorrow morning.