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 Steinhatchee, Florida, that was completely flooded. Shane and Lynn Padgett’s home was severely damaged by the storm surge brought by the storm and water went inside the home, from floor to ceiling, making it inhabitable. As seen in the picture above, the rest of the roads around the Padgett's home were also flooded. Red Cross disaster responder Dariana Molina speaks with Lynn and Shane, and despite the devastation, Lynn tries to keep a hopeful spirit, saying, “What else can you do besides keep going?”

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 recover from this disaster.

Written by Dariana Molina/American Red Cross

Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross