The death toll from Hurricane Charley rose to 20 as Florida state authorities delivered food and water to hundreds of thousands of people in southwest Florida affected by the monster storm.

Many relief organisations are rushing in to help the thousands that are homeless. On wednesday morning more than 2,000 people remained in emergency shelters in 12 counties, state officials said.

The American Red Cross served 121,432 emergency meals on Tuesday alone, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which provided details of the new death toll. It is the worst hurricane to hit Florida in 12 years.

While many organisations are helping with the basic living needs, the International Bible Society (IBS) is working with the Salvation Army to provide Scripture for the victims.

Crisis counsellors say anger and frustration are setting in and most of the time depression follows. The president of IBS, Peter Bradley says, "People who, after a crisis like this one, are really in despair. They're seeing their whole world change. They're fearful. They're looking for hope and that's exactly what the Scriptures do."

IBS is handing out several booklets such as "When Your Whole World Changes", "Where Is God Now" for young people; as well as a special collection of Psalms and a booklet called, "Building a Mosaic" which provides help to aid workers.

In the midst of suffering, Bradley says Scripture is the only definite answer to life's troubling questions; "We know that people in a crisis like this, they're looking for hope. They're looking for some sign of healing of comfort of peace to come into their lives. And, that's exactly what the Scriptures do."