COLUMBIA, S.C. — Disaster-trained volunteers from the American Red Cross of South Carolina are deploying to support disaster relief operations in Iowa and Nebraska following historic flooding and to Southern New Mexico, where wildfires have displaced thousands.
Red Cross disaster teams are working with emergency officials and local partners to quickly provide comfort and support to people impacted by these disasters. More help, along with emergency response vehicles filled with relief supplies, is on the way.
Six SC volunteers are on the ground or on their way to Northwest Iowa, where flooding broke records after storms dropped 10 inches of rain — up to 15 inches in some areas — across parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Homes and farms are underwater along multiple rivers, including the Little Sioux, the Big Sioux and the Rock. Forecasters expect the high water to threaten communities downstream over several days.
Two SC volunteers are on the ground as the Red Cross is helping in southern New Mexico, where as many as 8,000 people have been forced from their homes as massive wildfires continue to burn. The South Fork and Salt fires have scorched more than 23,000 acres near Ruidoso and are still burning out of control. Early reports indicate as many as 1,400 structures are destroyed ─ this may include 500 homes, according to the New Mexico Forestry Division.
The American Red Cross said it is working around the clock to help those affected by multiple disasters nationwide. Trained Red Cross disaster workers responded immediately, opening shelters to provide refuge from the flooding and wildfires.
Working with officials and partners, Red Cross teams are providing evacuees with a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support during this challenging time and preparing to expand relief efforts if needed.
The Red Cross of South Carolina said it stands ready to deploy more Disaster-Trained workers as needed.
How to help
You can help people affected by disasters like flooding, wildfires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Become a volunteer
As more people rely on the Red Cross for help, the need for compassionate volunteers has never been greater, according to Red Cross officials. This spring, consider volunteering with the American Red Cross in one of their urgently needed volunteer opportunities. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteer.
