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Red Cross Continues Wilma Relief Efforts
Written by
Lesly C. Simmons
, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Friday, October 28, 2005 — The American Red Cross continues its response to Hurricane Wilma across Florida today, as power is slowly restored to some areas and frustrated residents turn out for food, water and shelter.
The number of shelters has come down from a high of more than 100 to about 25, as people are able to return to their homes or to move in with family and friends. Less than half of the 3 million homes and businesses left without power after Wilma have had it restored.
The Red Cross started its preliminary damage assessment process earlier this week to determine what kind of assistance will be offered to those whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
Key West residents visit a Red Cross point of delivery to pick up ice, water and other household supplies after Hurricane Wilma. (Photo by Gene Dailey/American Red Cross)
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Hurricane season officially ends Nov. 30, and this year’s has been record breaking. Meteorologists are now tracking Tropical Storm Beta, the 23rd named storm of the season. Beta is heading for Nicaragua in South America and will probably become a Cat. 2 hurricane when it reaches land. It is not expected to impact the United States.
Nearly 2,000 volunteers have been deployed to support the Red Cross response in Florida following Wilma, in addition to the tens of thousands on the ground across the Gulf Coast still serving communities damaged by Katrina and Rita.
“This year’s hurricane season has presented unprecedented challenges for the Red Cross,” said spokesman Pat McCrummen. “It’s been a long and busy hurricane season, but our staff and volunteers continue to rise to the challenge daily. They know that these communities need our support.”
So far 14 deaths in Florida have been attributed to Wilma. Thousand of American citizens are slowly leaving Cancun, Mexico where Wilma made fall last week, trapping thousands of tourists.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest ice storms, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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