In Dolly’s Wake

aUGUST 1, 2008

Let us praise God and give him thanks that Dolly’s destructive fury on the Valley was not more severe.  No lives were lost and only relatively minor physical injuries have been reported.

We all knew that it was only a matter of time before a hurricane would come our way, and two months into the season, Hurricane Dolly arrived and left her mark on the Valley. Now thousands of families have endured power failure, no telephone service, damaged roofs, flooding, and they are trying to recover.

I am especially and gravely concerned about the welfare of countless low-income families that have been affected by the hurricane. Many of them are still living in temporary shelters and they are unable to return to their homes until the flood waters recede; many others, in order to safeguard their belongings, remain in their flooded homes amid contaminated waters.

While Catholic Charities, in collaboration with other relief agencies, has worked tirelessly to provide food and water, as well as other needed supplies, my great concern is how we may be able to offer assistance in order to make their water-damaged homes habitable. Due to their modest income and limited resources, there are families who do not insure their homes and they will not be able to finance the repairs that may be required to prevent the sheetrock from crumbling or mold from developing on the water-soaked dry wall.

The diocese is committed to offer assistance to these families in so far as our resources permit. Our parishes will take a special collection on Aug. 2-3 for assistance to those who suffered losses as a result of the hurricane and are in the greatest need. I hope that everyone in the community who is able will offer assistance either by volunteering or by providing needed resources.

We learned some lessons from Dolly. She demonstrated that indeed nature is unpredictable as is the destruction it unleashes. We expected a category I, but she built strength over the warm gulf waters; the resulting winds and rain caused a great deal of damage. Among the lessons learned, we must continue to undertake preventive measures to protect ourselves from the potential devastation of any future natural disaster, be it a hurricane, an earthquake, or any other cataclysmic event.

Second, we have been reminded that Gulf Coast residents have been warned for years that it was only a matter of time before a hurricane of great magnitude, “the big one”, would arrive. Yet, Dolly demonstrated that it does not take a “big one” for disaster to hit. It may be months before we have accurate figures of the losses brought about by this hurricane

All the news about the hurricane, however, have not been bad. First, witnessing the plight of desperate people brought out the best in human nature. Countless residents mobilized to attain one goal: do something to help those in need. Catholic Charities has set up four community resource sites to provide food, water and other necessities, including counseling and primary health care at some sites. Many other grassroots efforts in the Valley parallel our own.  There has certainly been a wonderful display of goodwill and solidarity with those in need. Secondly, determination to rebuild on the part of those who suffered losses and the determination to help them on the part of others show that recovery is indeed possible.

What we who live in the Valley need now is the will and strength of mind necessary to plan and prepare for the next hurricane.  Let us take steps to see that we do not suffer any chaos or loss that could have been avoided, if and when another hurricane strikes. Let us understand clearly what to do in an emergency.  Being prepared may make all the difference when seconds count.

As we continue in this hurricane season, let us pray that we will be spared from future damage, while we remain vigilant and prepared.

+Bishop Raymundo J. Peña

last updated 11-Jan-2010 8:22 sitemap