Another friend and I separately wrote to make sure our buddy and his wife were OK. With permission, I'm posting his reply here:
M. and Ben,
Thank you both for checking on us.
H. was in Pennsylvania for an interview. I was on the lucky side of the river, and things over here are relatively normal. South of the river, the devastation is simply unbelievable. Much of the city is now unrecognizable, and many people, including our students, have lost their homes. I've done a little volunteer work, cooking breakfast at a local shelter. Amazing things are happening in this community, and better days are ahead.
We appreciate your concern.
Warmly,
S.