TEXAS – A leading American Muslim group has launched a new relief campaign to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, urging US Muslims to assist their fellow Americans in this time of need and distress.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Texas. We ask Allah, the lord of the universe to protect everyone and ease the suffering of all those affected by these unprecedented floods,” said Javaid Siddiqi, President of Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), in a statement released on Sunday, August 27.
At least 25 inches of rain have fallen in parts of Southeast Texas since Hurricane Harvey made landfall near Rockport on Friday evening, shattering several previous rainfall records.
Many highways and streets throughout the region are flooded, making normal travel impossible and forcing first responders to perform over 1,000 rescues over the weekend, with even more expected on Monday.
“ICNA Relief stands committed to assist in relief operations wherever possible. ICNA Relief’s Disaster Relief Services department is monitoring the storm while maintaining communication with government agencies, Texas VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), and National VOAD – our partner relief organizations who are responding to the storm.
“We have also activated our national and local Disaster Relief Teams to respond to this disaster. ICNA Relief is prepared to support mass feeding, mucking-out, and gutting-out cleanup efforts, and disaster casework/management, as needed in southern Texas.”
The group said they aim at raising $100,000 to help devastated areas.
“Considering the widespread devastation, ICNA Relief is looking to raise $100,000 and is issuing a call for volunteers to respond to this disaster,” it added.
Islamic Relief also sent out a Hurricane Harvey appeal on Sunday.
“Hurricane Harvey has left survivors needing to find elevation and escape to survive; boiling potable water to prevent the spread of disease; left without electricity; and now, left to hunker down and ride the storm out,” the group said on its website.
“Strong winds—some measuring 130 mph; torrents of rain; flooding; tornadoes all intermingled in this massive storm. Now, although Harvey has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm, its wrath is still dangerous.”
ICNA Relief, one of the largest Muslim American charities providing a range of social services solely in the US Programs, including disaster response services, women’s transitional housing, hunger prevention, counseling and case management, free medical clinics, emergency financial assistance, and refugee services.