The deadliest natural disaster in US history was the Galveston hurricane of 1900 (they didn’t name hurricanes back then). The storm surge from this category 4 hurricane washed over much of Galveston Island, killing 6,000 to 12,000 people.

Galveston is now protected by a seawall, and much of the city has been raised to a higher elevation using earthen fill, but evacuation orders have been issued, and people in some areas are being told they face certain death if they stay put.

Hurricane Ike is expected to hit the Galveston and Houston areas Friday night or early Saturday morning, perhaps as a category 3 hurricane.

Map: 5-day cone from National Hurricane Center

Remember to pray for those in distress, and for those helping them.

Grace and Peace