BURBANK, California (August 31, 2005) – The mayor of New Orleans said
Wednesday that Katrina may have killed thousands of people in the city — an
estimate that, if accurate, would make the storm by far the nation’s deadliest
hurricane in more than a century.
Islamic Relief USA has initiated an appeal to help the victims of the floods
caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Islamic Relief is in the process of coordinating with organizations working on
the ground to effectively and efficiently aid the victims as swiftly as possible.
Islamic Relief will be focusing its efforts on helping victims in Baton Rouge, LA
(where many victims from New Orleans have fled), Mobile, AL, and Houston,
TX.
In addition to the devastation in New Orleans, hundreds are also feared dead
in Mississippi. People in Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida have also been
affected. Many areas in all affected regions have been completely destroyed,
and the temporary shelters which have been set up cannot cope with the
continuing influx of refugees.
Islamic Relief spokesman Arif Shaikh said in a statement, “As part of our
mission to respond to humanitarian and natural disasters throughout the
world, the Katrina disaster has become our focus. We are motivating our
donors to respond to the needs of the victims immediately and urgently.”
In addition to its international relief work, Islamic Relief has aided in many
domestic disaster relief efforts as well, including last year’s fires in Southern
California. Islamic Relief also aided victims of the September 11 attacks, as
well as 1995’s Oklahoma City bombings.
Islamic Relief is accepting donations for the Katrina disaster by phone, postal
mail, or on the internet.
Islamic Relief
Katrina Disaster Relief
P.O. Box 6098
Burbank, CA 91510
(888) 479-4968