The Salvation Army is carrying out one of the largest responses in its history. The relief operation has spread out from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to neighbouring states Florida and Oklahoma. The team is looking after 120,000 hurricane victims and providing half a million hot meals a day.
However, vehicles have been running out of petrol to maintain the mobile canteens on the road and there are still many needs to attend to. "The victims just want basic life assistance. They’re in shock. Everything they’ve worked for all of their lives is gone," said Major Dalton Cunningham, responsible for Salvation Army work in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
"The gasoline shortage has created a crisis of its own, continued Major Cunningham. "Our canteens are providing much-needed food and water to the victims, but we’re running out of gas and there is simply just no gas available south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi."
22 mobile canteens have been set up by The Salvation Army in New Orleans. Hundreds of people who took refuge at The Salvation Army centre a mile from downtown New Orleans have now been evacuated by rescue teams. They had been stranded with no power or communication and very little food and water since last weekend.
Fifteen canteens are serving along the Gulf Coast, Mississippi, but more are in need inland. Food and water is needed in small towns inland. Eight mobile canteens are serving food and water in Mobile.
According to the Salvation Army, food distribution and feeding at shelters continue in Louisiana, including Alexandria, Tuscaloosa, Selma and Montgomery.
The relief work continues in Alabama, with food, clothing, clothing, blankets and cleanup kits being distributed in different areas. A military base in Anniston has been offered as a possible warehousing location for The Salvation Army.
Feeding continues in Colombus, Mississippi. The state has requested a shelter to be opened in Clay County. The Salvation Army and the state is looking to open shelters for refugees who have nowhere to go after the storm.
The Salvation Army is working alongside local officials at the Houston Astrodome to source local food supplies and to assist with pastoral care. Salvation Army centres along the Louisiana-Texas border are providing shelter and canteen units are serving the victims with food.
