In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, which pounded Southwest Louisiana and is expected to cause damage further inland, responders are packing up relief supplies to help those in the devastated areas.

Some of the responding organizations include:

• LIFE Outreach International, The Stream’s parent organization
  • Trucks loaded with ice, water and food, along with other supplies, headed to Louisiana Thursday. You can help with these relief efforts by donating to LIFE Today’s Crisis Relief outreach. 
• Samaritan’s Purse
  • Samaritan’s Purse is deploying a tractor-trailer filled with relief supplies and equipment to Lake Charles, Louisiana. They will begin helping as soon as they have clearance from local authorities, according to their website.
• The military
  • According to the Military Times, 5,400 Louisiana National Guard troops were activated. They took 222 high water vehicles and 65 boats for rescue efforts. In addition, 27 Army aircraft are ready to respond as necessary. 

The LA National Guard tweeted Thursday, “As the sun comes over Lake Charles, Guardsmen deploy to clear roadways to assess damages from #Laura. #ProtectWhatMatters.”

As the sun comes over Lake Charles, Guardsmen deploy to clear roadways to assess damages from #Laura. #ProtectWhatMatters pic.twitter.com/xf1ZWVvf8p

— LA National Guard (@LANationalGuard) August 27, 2020

• Texas Baptist Men (Disaster Relief)
  • Prior to the hurricane, Texas Baptist Men had 5,300 volunteers on standby. “All of their units — including food, chainsaw and cleanup teams — are ready to go at a moment’s notice,” CBS 11 reported. “On Monday, some volunteers will be working to make sure their mobile kitchen is ready to be deployed. It’s capable of providing 1,500 meals a day.” 
• Cajun Navy Relief and Rescue
  • This nonprofit, citizen-led organization is preparing to respond to disaster areas. Some of their supplies include: first aid kits, extra fuel, chainsaw, life jackets for adults and children, a bag of tools, water and ice, according to USA Today. The Cajun Navy tweeted Wednesday that they were ready for the storm. “We are staged up in Jennings, La. waiting on Hurricane Laura to join the party! Ya’ll stay safe! @CW39Houston @Itgrusselhonore @cajun_navy.”

We are staged up in Jennings, La. waiting on Hurricane Laura to join the party! Y’all stay safe! @CW39Houston @ltgrusselhonore @cajun_navy pic.twitter.com/vDd12ZDAOI

— Official Louisiana Cajun Navy (@LouisianaCNavy) August 26, 2020

The Cajun Navy also asked for prayers. “Please keep all of our volunteers in your thoughts and prayers. Our boaters as they begin to embark on this trying path. Leaving their families to come and help others all while risking their own lives.” They added: “Our dispatchers and volunteers whom answer those panicked calls for help. As well as everyone that is in the path of this hurricane. ‘Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are helping.’ Mr. Rogers. #CajunNavy #CajunNavyRelief #CNR #USAR #HurricaneLaura.”

2/2 Our dispatchers and volunteers whom answer those panicked calls for help. As well as everyone that is in the path of this hurricane.

"Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are helping " Mr. Rogers#CajunNavy #CajunNavyRelief #CNR #USAR #HurricaneLaura pic.twitter.com/XfMuFC8JCE

— CajunNavyRelief (@CajunNavyRelief) August 27, 2020

• The Red Cross
  • In a statement on their website, the Red Cross stated that they had mobilized more than 800 trained disaster workers to support relief efforts. By the time Laura made landfall, the Red Cross had already helped more than 10,000 people find a safe place to stay the night, including emergency lodgings, shelters and hotels. The Red Cross is providing blankets, cots and personal protective equipment (PPE) to shelters. They will also help with replacing medications, eyeglasses and emotional support.

Please continue to be in prayer for those affected by the hurricane.

Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.