After hurricane, faith-based groups mobilize relief teams

New York, August 29 (ENInews)--In the wake of Irene, a powerful hurricane
that crossed the eastern United States on 27 and 28 August, faith-based
groups have mobilized to bring relief efforts to hard-hit communities. The
storm caused more than 20 deaths, an estimated $3.1 billion in damages and
knocked out electricity for more than five million homes and businesses. 

"It's too early to gauge how bad the effect of Irene is," said Randy
Ackley, coordinator at Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). "We're waiting to
get word, but we know some damage has been done."

PDA, based in Louisville, Kentucky, was prepared for the storm, according
to Ackley. It asked 25 of its presbyteries south of Delaware for
information about their disaster preparation efforts, and sent out a general
preparedness message to churches.