presbyterian disaster assistance

Savannah church makes connections in Puerto Rico

Power comes and goes in parts of Puerto Rico that are still recovering from last fall’s devastating Hurricane Maria. While electricity and running water are slowly coming back to communities across the island, the long list of repairs, updates and recovery will keep volunteers and disaster officials busy for years.

Hawaii’s volcanic activity not slowing down

It’s been weeks since Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano began erupting on the big island, creating a spectacle of bright lava flow and billowing ash. In its latest report, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says the seismic levels, ground cracking and eruptions have gradually increased and several lava flows have merged.

Presbyterian churches remember victims in Texas school shootings

Presbyterian church leaders continue to follow the aftermath of last Friday’s mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in the Houston area. As many as 10 people were killed and 13 wounded in the 25-minute attack. Authorities are still investigating what led the 17-year-old suspect to fire on students and faculty.

Hawaii residents remain on alert for more eruptions from Kilauea volcano

The threat of more eruptions, explosions and lava continue to keep geologists on alert as they track activity at the summit of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) says lava draining from the volcano could pose serious problems and officials are keeping watch.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance volunteer receives national recognition

The National Association of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) has selected a Presbyterian Disaster AssistanceNational Response Team member as its volunteer of the year. David Rauer received the recognition last night during VOAD’s annual awards ceremony. Rauer received the Don Hampton Volunteer of the Year Award for his disaster recovery work for the past six years.

Melting snow creates flooding problems in Montana

Melting snow has caused serious flooding problems in Montana. Last week, Governor Steve Bullock declared a flooding emergency in seven counties as well as the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The governor says the rapid snowmelt poses a serious threat to homes, farms and other infrastructures such as roads.

Tribal group in India battles extreme poverty

Off the grid, nonexistent, outcasts. Those are some of the words used to describe a tribal group in southern India struggling to survive with little food, no homes and little opportunity for improvement.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance volunteers meet in Louisville

For the 22nd year, national volunteers who give of their time to assist presbyteries, congregations and communities impacted by disasters through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance have gathered for their annual meeting. This year’s gathering in Louisville, brought together nearly 100 members to take part in a time of  “learning, connecting and relating.”

Nepal continues recovery three years after devastating earthquake

Today marks three years since the first of two powerful earthquakes rocked the country of Nepal, leaving thousands dead or homeless and millions in need of humanitarian assistance. Recently, Luke Asikoye, international associate with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), traveled to the country to assess recovery efforts and talk with survivors.