On August 27, 2020, at 1 am, the tenth strongest US Hurricane made landfall near Cameron, Louisiana. As a category 4 hurricane (max windspeed of 150mph), Hurricane Laura also was recorded as the strongest hurricane to devastate the state of Louisiana. The hurricane’s high winds and storm surge caused widespread power outages from homes to hospitals. Many homes and buildings were unhabitable due to the extent of damage and lack of power or water supply.
To assist those impacted by Hurricane Laura, BAPS Charities volunteers in Lake Charles, Louisiana organized relief efforts to provide disaster relief assistance in the Lake Charles area. On August 28, 2020, BAPS Charities volunteers immediately reached out to the local community by providing a place of shelter to individuals in their homes or hotels.
As of September 3, 2020, 230 hot meals along with dry snacks have been served in Lake Charles, Sulphur, Louisiana, and Orange, Texas. Due to loss of power and safe drinking water, more than 2,000 gallons of drinking water were also distributed to residents Over 30 BAPS volunteers from Beaumont, Texas, along with assistance from AAPI Louisiana, overcame challenges to provide support.
In addition to the ongoing nationwide support provided to local hospitals and communities impacted by COVID-19, local chapters of BAPS Charities continue to assess situations worldwide and organize relief efforts to serve communities in need.
