Now, more than 500 Red Cross disaster responders have begun to circulate throughout communities in Florida and Georgia that were affected by Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall Wednesday, August 30.

Disaster responders have been bringing tremendous support to these communities in several ways. First, to assess the damage assessment, as well as speak with residents of the affected communities to get their perspective on the storm and how they’ve personally been affected. This information will not only help inform operational decisions about where to focus our services in the coming days but will also spread awareness as to just how much Idalia has physically, mentally and emotionally impacted families.

One of the families impacted by Hurricane Idalia has a home in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, that was completely destroyed. Shelley Thomas’ home, seen in the background of the photo above, was severely damaged by the strong winds and storm surge brought by the storm and only some of the stilts that initially served as the foundation of the home remain. Disaster Responder Dariana Molina spoke with Shelley about what this home meant to her and how she felt seeing it in its current state for the first time. Shelley said, “It’s been standing for 68 years and it’s where all our memories were made.”

As a result of the climate crisis, scientists warn that hurricanes are becoming more intense and more destructive with increased rainfall and higher storm surges. As extreme weather increases, more people need help from the Red Cross. Find out more about the Red Cross and its work on the climate crisis at redcross.org/climate.

Help people affected by Hurricane Idalia by visiting redcross.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word IDALIA to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Financial contributions to Hurricane Idalia enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.

Written by Dariana Molina/American Red Cross

Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross