BACK-to-back hurricanes in Florida, in the United States, have brought not only physical damage and fatalities, but also mental trauma to residents, the Bishop of Southwest Florida, the Rt Revd Douglas Scharf, has said.
Hurricane Milton was the second hurricane in two weeks to batter the state. At least 16 people were killed when its heavy rains and high winds hit last week, following its predecessor, Hurricane Helene, which killed 237 people in Florida and neighbouring American states. Both devastated homes, roads, and infrastructure.
Milton is the strongest tropical cyclone so far in 2024, although its intensity reduced as it made landfall. The Atlantic hurricane season peaks in September and October, but two storms so close together have shocked Floridians.
The Bishop said: “After experiencing the impacts of back-to-back major hurricanes, we are working closely with our clergy and lay leaders to support our congregations and local communities as they begin the recovery process.
“Beyond the physical clean-up and rebuilding, we are focused on responding to the emotional and spiritual needs of our people. As the Body of Christ, we seeking to share the healing love of Jesus and to bring hope where there is fear and despair.”
As much as there is concern for the damage to homes and churches, he said that he was more concerned about mental health.
Lindsey Nickel, in the diocesan office, said that it had not been possible to contact churches on some island communities to find out how they had been affected. Many areas were still without power.
“We have seven churches, plus our own offices and camp and conference center, DaySpring, that were greatly impacted by Hurricane Milton, with many churches and communities still without power. These same communities suffered a lot of damage during Hurricane Helene.
“We are working closely with Episcopal Relief and Development to provide aid to these congregations and communities, and we have created a relief fund for the churches to get the recovery process started. We are still waiting to get out on to some of the barrier islands to assess the damages of those churches.”