As hurricane season continues to make its fast paced, furious destruction throughout various states across the US, those affected by hurricanes of the past, including Hurricane Katrina, can not help but be reminded of the terrors of their past. On September 24th, Hurricane Helene made landfall at a category 4 with winds of up to 140 miles per hour and left destruction in states across the Southeast, displacing thousands and killing more than 300 people. Quickly after this, states already affected by Helene were struck again along with others by Hurricane Milton on October 9th, which has killed at least 10 more and left millions without power. Hurricane season is extremely brutal this year, yet many affected are no stranger to mother nature’s violence. On August 29th of 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, having a storm surge of 28 feet and winds of up to 120 miles per hour, leaving 1,500 without lives and $125 billion dollars in damage. According to George W. Bush, 43rd president of the United States and president at the time of Hurricane Katrina, “This government will learn the lessons of Hurricane Katrina. We are going to review every action and make necessary changes so that we are better prepared for any challenge of nature, or act of evil men, that could threaten our people.” While Katrina was devastating, the response to the natural disaster has heavily benefited the aid of future hurricane relief. Bush signed into law the Post-Katrina Emergency Act on October 4th, 2006, and reformed FEMA, the Disaster Response and Recovery branch of Homeland Security, to better equip the United States to help in dire times of need such as recovery from heavily fatal hurricanes, including Helene and Milton. FEMA currently has 7,000 personnel aiding in the relief of Hurricane Helene and is delivering items such as food, water, generators, tarps and other supplies and equipment to affected communities. The Gulf Coast is familiar with these disasters, unfortunately even when they are devastating, but the unified force of these communities can not be deterred. They always find a way to pick up, rebuild, and become stronger than before.
Prayer for Protection From Hurricanes from Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville, MS.
Our Father in Heaven, through the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, spare us during this hurricane season from all harm. Protect us and our homes from all disasters of nature. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
