Hurricane Laura’s Impact on the Gulf Coast
On August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwestern Louisiana as a powerful Category 4 storm. At the time, it was reported to be among the strongest hurricanes to strike the state in more than a century. According to the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Laura 2020 overview, Laura was the strongest hurricane to strike southwest Louisiana since records began in 1851. The storm claimed lives, displaced thousands of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage across Louisiana and Texas.
In the days following the hurricane, thousands of residents sought shelter while communities faced extensive disruptions to power, water, sewer, and other essential services. Tens of thousands of households applied for federal disaster assistance as they began the long process of recovery.
World Renew’s Hurricane Laura Response
World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) was well positioned to respond. Regional Volunteer Managers Len and Carrie Blauwkamp had previously served in the region during World Renew’s Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts and maintained strong relationships with local recovery organizations throughout the Gulf Coast.
With long-term recovery work already underway in Texas following previous disasters, World Renew DRS was able to mobilize a Hurricane Laura response quickly. An initial grant of $5,000 helped address immediate needs among storm survivors while response plans were developed in partnership with local organizations.
In Louisiana, where fewer recent disaster recovery networks were active, World Renew focused on supporting local organizations as they reopened operations, assessed community needs, and coordinated early recovery efforts.
As Len explained at the time:
“Louisiana is still very much in the emergency and early response stages. Three parishes are still under evacuation orders. Residents can come in during the day but have to leave by 7:00 p.m. Many places do not have sewer, water or electric services, and in Cameron Parish it is estimated that it will take 2 months to restore electricity. We don’t even know the full extent of the damage.”
Supporting Long-Term Recovery
During the early stages of the response, Len and Carrie planned visits to Texas and Louisiana to connect with area organizations and long-term recovery groups. These partnerships helped identify the most effective ways for World Renew DRS to support recovery efforts in the months and years that followed.
The response also unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic, which added significant challenges for disaster survivors, volunteers, and emergency response teams. Communities had to navigate both storm recovery and public health concerns simultaneously.
Please continue to pray for families and communities affected by Hurricane Laura, as well as for disaster response workers and volunteers serving those in need.
World Renew remains committed to walking alongside communities affected by disasters across North America. Through North American Disaster Response programs, World Renew partners with local organizations to support relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts that help individuals and families move forward after disasters strike.
