Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast region in the early morning hours of Monday, August 29, devastating parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Officials estimate thousands dead. This estimate, if accurate, would make Hurricane Katrina the nation’s deadliest natural disaster since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.  

Congress reconvened on Friday, September 2, to pass $10.5 billion in emergency disaster relief funds for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Specifically, $10 billion is directed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The additional $500 million goes to the Department of Defense to be used for hurricane expenses, including the evacuation.

We in Kansas are helping by sending about 150 Kansas National Guard troops to the Hurricane Katrina damaged areas of Louisiana and Mississippi. 

Though the devastation of this event will not soon fade, I have faith that our nation will recover and rebuild and be stronger for it. Our prayers go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Katrina. Those interested in more information or donating money to aid the victims, please contact the following: 

Federal Emergency Management Agency
www.fema.gov 

American Red Cross
(800) HELP NOW (435-7669)

www.redcross.org