Hurricane Helene has left widespread devastation across the southeastern U.S., claiming over 120 lives and left widespread destruction in its wake. Two brave American Red Cross volunteers drove an emergency response vehicle to North Caroline to help those affected by the aftermath of the storm. This storm also hit five other Southeastern states which caused over 120 deaths.
Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 hurricane with wind speeds of 140 mph, making it the strongest hurricane to hit Florida’s Big Bend region directly. The storm also caused record-breaking storm surges of up to 9.6 feet in some areas and more than a foot of rainfall across several states, from Florida to North Carolina.
More than 1,200 disaster responders and numerous emergency vehicles are distributing supplies. Indianapolis-based organizations have also mobilized to assist in the relief efforts.
“This hurricane has caused catastrophic damage, and it extends to hundreds of miles, and has uprooted the lives of communities, and in many cases forever,” explained Isis Chaverri, communications director for the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross.
The Indianapolis branch of the American Red Cross sent volunteers Cindy Kvale and Dave Barker to North Carolina, joining 24 others from Indiana. The Red Cross has deployed 60 emergency response vehicles to the disaster zones, four from Indiana alone.
Other organizations, such as the Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, have sent truckloads of prebuilt disaster relief boxes to sister food banks in Atlanta and East Tennessee, ensuring affected communities have access to ready-to-eat food.
Midwest Food Bank is also responding, organizing a food distribution event in Indianapolis on October 5 at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church to help those locally affected by hurricane-related power outages. The organization has partnered with the Salvation Army to send food and water to impacted states.
Read also: Tens of Thousands in Indiana Lose Power as Severe Storms Sweep Through
As the disaster response continues, the Red Cross is urging the public to donate and volunteer to sustain critical relief efforts. With canceled blood drives across the region, there is also a pressing need for blood donations to replenish the national supply.
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate: Financial contributions can be made directly to the Red Cross, which helps fund shelter, food, and recovery resources.
- Volunteer: Join as a disaster responder, either locally or in affected areas.
- Give Blood: Find a local blood drive to help restore the blood supply.
To get involved, visit the Red Cross website for details on how to donate, volunteer, or give blood. Every contribution helps support communities in need during this crisis.
