The Independent reports that American Muslims are joining the effort to tackle “historical” flooding in Louisiana – a crisis that has rocked the state and forced at least 20,000 people to leave their homes.
Earlier this month, the federal government declared the situation in Louisiana to be a major disaster, a move that allowed the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal disaster assistance in recovery efforts.
Virginia-based Islamic Relief USA said that in addition to providing the 60 volunteers, the charity was proving financial aid and was preparing to partner with other organization, including Catholic and Southern Baptist, to try and reach as many people in need as possible.
“It is of outmost importance that we respond to a disaster of this magnitude in a rapid and effective manner, as a large number of people will be in immediate need of assistance,” said Hani Hamwi, Islamic Relief’s disaster response team manager.
“It is our duty to help our neighbors in need, and we will do everything within our capacity to make sure that aid is given to those most affected by the floods.”
The charity has worked with the American Red Cross in numerous previous disaster relief efforts across the United States. In 2014, it signed a national Memorandum of Understanding with the American Red Cross, the first formal partnership of its kind between the charity and a Muslim response organization in the country.
Read the full story on The Independent
