World Hope International Response to the Midland Floods in Michigan
World Hope International responds to catastrophic flooding in Central Michigan after two dams fail and 10,000 evacuated
Washington D.C. (June 9, 2020) – On May 17, 2020, heavy rains poured over Midland County, Michigan provoking flooding and leading to the failure of two local dams. These failures led to disastrous flooding in the region, swelling of the Tittabawassee River, and inundating the city within days. The Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, called for the evacuation of 10,000 people in the region in addition to declaring a State of Emergency. The storm led to the destruction of 2,500 structures including 150 homes with another 790 homes damaged.
Within hours of the disaster, World Hope International collaborated with local community partners on the ground to deliver disaster assistance. Following a community-driven effort to identify immediate needs, WHI partnered with Amazon to provide that much-needed relief. Through Amazon’s generous donation, WHI was able to send over 550 items to help clean up the flooding damage as well as personal care items for those displaced from their homes. Members of the affected communities were able to use the donated pumps, mops, buckets, towels, and sundry items, to drain their homes and damaged areas and begin their journey of rebuilding. The local Church and community leaders, including First Responders, in Michigan, received $25,000 worth of support through this partnership and were in turn able to provide relief to dozens of families.
The Hatfields, pictured, own an auto shop in Midland and have been going out working on homes in the community to clean them up, including pumping out the basements.
Image of the Water Pumps being loaded onto Jerome Township Fire Dept. trucks for distribution.
“You folks are an answer to our prayers. This is the worst flooding we have ever seen here. We have 4 feet of water in our basement and our old pumps have failed. This new pump will work so much better and help us clean out the basement. Thank you, World Hope and Amazon.”
“We are underwater and was just hoping someone would find us a pump. I live next door to her mother and both homes have the basements full of water at least 5 feet high. We were completely caught off guard. This has never happened before. We are so thankful for the pumps and cleaning supplies. This will save our homes.”
“We really need these pumps as we do house to house surveys to see who is still underwater. We are so thankful for these pumps from World Hope International and Amazon.”
For media queries, please contact:
Heather Hill
WHI Director, Communications & Marketing