Media Contact: Allison Flexner | Allison.Flexner@redcross.org

ATLANTA – Four disaster-trained volunteers from the American Red Cross of Georgia are deploying to Alaska to support relief efforts following Typhoon Halong, which devastated several coastal villages and forced the evacuation of as many as 2,000 residents. Evacuees are being transported nearly 500 miles from their homes to safe shelter in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Red Cross is working with state, tribal and local officials to support the thousands of people being evacuated to Anchorage, where they will find safe shelter, food, emergency relief supplies, emotional support and health services.

Because the impacted region is only accessible by air or sea, evacuees are first airlifted by helicopter to Bethel, where Red Cross disaster workers register them for their second flight to Anchorage.

“I believe deploying with the Red Cross is my highest and best use,” said Georgia Disaster Cycle Services volunteer Vivian McWilliams. “Helping these people in their greatest time of need when their villages have been washed out to sea is immeasurable.”

As winter approaches, there are other villages in the region where residents have no power or running water, food they had stored for the winter now ruined and stoves used to heat their homes damaged. That could make the winter difficult in remote communities where people store food from hunting and fishing to help make it through the season. The Red Cross will also support people in these villages in addition to the relief operation with evacuees in Anchorage.

The Red Cross of Georgia remains ready to deploy additional disaster-trained workers as needed. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP Thousands of people in Alaska have lost everything and will be unable to return home and begin their recovery while winter keeps them out of their villages for the next several months. People are depending on the Red Cross for help, and we need your support. Help people affected by disasters big and small — whenever and wherever they occur across the country — by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief at redcross.org or by calling 1- 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also choose to donate by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER The American Red Cross asks you to consider giving the gift of your time this year and resolve to help people in need as a volunteer in Georgia. Depending on your interests, the Red Cross offers a variety of volunteer opportunities — from supporting a family after a fire in their home, helping a member of the military during an emergency, or helping us ensure blood is available for patients who need it. The need to help has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteer and get started today. 

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 social media.

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