Episcopal Relief & Development is in close contact with Episcopal dioceses in the southern United States and Cuba in response to Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Cuba on Tuesday and in southwest Florida on Wednesday.

In Cuba, the category 3 storm killed two people and knocked out power to the entire country.

“The Episcopal Church in Cuba has mobilized its local disaster committees who are assessing the damage, and potential responses, in their communities,” said Kellie McDaniel, Program Officer, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We pray for the people of Cuba who are living through several recent disasters.”

Hurricane Ian intensified to a category 4 storm before making landfall again on Wednesday near Port Charlotte, Florida with winds of 150 m.p.h. As of Thursday morning, more than two million people were without power and a storm surge of up to 12 feet caused severe flooding. The storm also caused flooding in the Florida Keys after heavy rain on Tuesday night. It is expected to reach Georgia and South Carolina by Friday.

Dioceses in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina have been preparing this week by checking in with communities in the storm’s path, testing emergency communications systems and coordinating with area agencies.

“Our partners in the southern United States have deep roots in the community and are using their relationships to assess the needs caused by Hurricane Ian,” said Lura Steele, Program Officer, US Disaster Program, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We stand ready to assist in the coming days and weeks.”

Please pray for the people impacted by the storm. Donations to the Hurricane Relief Fund will support Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners as they respond.

For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.