Florence Update: Deadly Storm Leaves Behind Flooding, Uprooted Trees and Lives

By   •   September 16, 2018

Bob Richling carries Iris Darden, 84, out of her flooded home as her daughter-in-law, Pam Darden, gathers her belongings in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Spring Lake, North Carolina. (Source: AP Photo/David Goldman)

More than 40 deaths have been attributed to Hurricane Florence. The storm slowly crept through the eastern U.S. a week ago, causing widespread flooding of homes and businesses as well as major power outages.

According to news reports, the storm’s remnants stirred up several tornadoes in Virginia, killing one employee at a flooring warehouse.

Thirty-eight chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) have been offering emotional and spiritual care to evacuees in multiple cities throughout North Carolina, including New Bern, Jacksonville and Wilmington. Chaplains with law enforcement backgrounds are available to minister to weary first responders.

>> See photos of Florence’s massive destruction.

With a population of 30,000, many New Bern residents are affected by the overflowing of the nearby Neuse and Trent Rivers. City officials say more than 800 people were rescued after being trapped in their homes by rising floodwaters.

fallen tree
Saturated roots have caused many downed trees throughout the Carolinas.

In the midst of this crisis, Billy Graham chaplains are offering emotional and spiritual care to those hurting.

>> Commit to pray for those suffering from Florence.

“Whatever storm a person is in, if you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, you don’t have to worry because when this life comes to an end, we will be in the presence of Almighty God,” President of BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse Franklin Graham said in a recent interview, bringing hope to a seemingly hopeless time.

In a Twitter post, he asked people to “pray for families who have lost everything in their homes to Hurricane Florence.”

Please join us in prayer for all those affected.

Even in life’s storms, you can have faith. Put your trust in Jesus today.