IOCC Preparing for Tropical Storm Isaac

Baltimore, MD (August 27, 2012) — Seven years, to the day, that Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans (Aug. 29, 2005), weather forecasters are warning that Tropical Storm Isaac could intensify into a Category 2 or 3 Hurricane and once again hit the gulf coast. Currently the storm is in the Florida Keys and Florida, Alabama and Mississippi have already declared states of emergency. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting that the storm will reach hurricane status and make landfall by 2 am Wednesday. Warnings have been issued for the much of gulf coast of Louisiana, as well as all of the gulf coast regions in Mississippi and Alabama.

IOCC is in contact with the Orthodox Dioceses that have parishes in the predicted affected areas, members of the IOCC Emergency Response Network, and is monitoring the situation with its ecumenical partners in order to ascertain the most appropriate response. “Remembering the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina seven years ago, we ask that our thoughts and prayers be with those in the path of Tropical Storm Isaac, so that our loving Lord may protect them from harm and destruction,” said Daniel Christopulos, IOCC’s US Country Representative.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

You can help the victims of disasters around the world, like the natural disasters in the United States, by making a financial gift to the United States Emergency Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief as well as long-term support through the provision of emergency aid, recovery assistance and other support to help those in need. To make a gift, please visit www.iocc.org, call toll free at 1-877-803-IOCC (4622), or mail a check or money order payable to IOCC, P.O. Box 17398, Baltimore, Md. 21297-0429.

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IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in North and Central America. Since its inception in 1992, IOCC has delivered more than $400 million in relief and development programs to families and communities in 50 countries.