Media Contact: Ashley Henyan
(843) 571-8945 | ashley.henyan@redcross.org
[WASHINGTON DC, August 8, 2022] — As massive relief efforts continue in eastern Kentucky – where deadly flooding inundated at least nine counties – the American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region remains focused on supporting those affected by flooding and meeting the needs of DMV communities impacted by recent severe weather.
Teams of Red Cross disaster workers responded over the weekend to communities in the city of Baltimore and on Smith Island, MD—after a strong storm system tore through the DMV on August 4th. In Baltimore alone, hundreds of meals and snacks were distributed to impacted community members at a reception center staffed, in part, by Red Cross volunteer teams. Over 12 cases of water were also distributed to individuals and families in need. On Smith Island, trained disaster workers conducted damage assessment and provided recovery resources, according to need.
Simultaneously, more than one dozen local volunteers remain in eastern Kentucky—continuing to provide shelter, meals and critical support more than a week after tragic flooding upturned lives and destroyed hundreds of homes across the region.
“Although tragic and saddening, recent severe weather events serve as a reminder as to why our volunteers train,” said Emily Aloto, Interim Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region. “We must be prepared to support needs within the DMV, while always standing ready to help out our neighbors in need.”
Specific to relief efforts in eastern Kentucky, the Red Cross is working closely with local officials to help those affected, especially as extreme weather continues to threaten the region. Currently 380 volunteers are supporting from across the U.S. and preliminary damage reports indicate more than 900 homes were either destroyed or suffered major damage.
Over the last two years, on average, the American Red Cross has responded to a new, major disaster every 10 days. As a growing number of climate disasters threatens lives on a near-constant basis, the Red Cross is working to increase volunteer capacity to respond to these emergencies. To join the Red Cross as a disaster action team volunteer, visit RedCross.org/volunteer.
Community members can help those impacted by disasters like floods, fires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.