Heavy rain caused flash flooding in several parts of South Dakota and the American Red Cross is here to help.

Emergency Shelters

A total of four emergency shelters were opened amidst flooding in across Eastern South Dakota this fall.

The Red Cross opened a shelter in Sioux Falls after tornadoes hit the city in the early morning hours of September 11. This shelter closed on Monday, September 16.

Shelters in Madison and Trent, SD were also closed on Monday, September 16. The shelter population declined over the weekend and residents expressed that there was no longer a need for emergency shelter.

An emergency shelter in Yankton, SD stayed open a bit longer as the community continued to feel impacts of flooding. Once the need for emergency sheltering declined, the shelter closed on September 25. 

Over a span of two weeks, Red Cross volunteers staffed these shelters to ensure people had a safe place to stay and basic necessities such as cots, blankets, snacks, beverages and other care and comfort items. A big thank you to local businesses who provided meals for our neighbors staying at the emergency shelters.

Disaster Relief & Recovery

The American Red Cross opened several Recovery Service Centers across eastern South Dakota to help people affected by tornadoes and flooding. Community members were able to get clean-up kits, information about recovery planning, and learn about resources and assistance that may be available through the American Red Cross. 

As of October 20, 2019, the Red Cross has:

• Provided direct assistance to at least 1,200 individuals through disaster relief and recovery efforts.
• Provided approximately 140 overnight shelter stays for individuals and families.
• Served more than 13,000 meals and snacks in affected communities.
• Distributed more than 560 relief items, such as clean-up kits and comfort kits.
• Supported disaster relief efforts with more than 80 trained Red Cross disaster workers.

The Red Cross will continue to work in cooperation with our emergency management partners in several counties to assess the needs of communities. Anyone in need of Red Cross assistance can call our 24-hour disaster assistance hotline at 1-844-29CROSS (1-844-292-7677).

Thank you to our Partners

When disaster strikes, no one organization can do it all. The American Red Cross would like to thank the emergency response partners in the city and county, as well as corporate partners and businesses who are generously offering support.

A special thanks to: Hy-Vee, Outback Steakhouse, Subway, Walmart, Scheels, Home Depot, Papa John's, Wendy's, Lewis Drug, and Flyboy Donuts.  Many additional local businesses have offered donations of food, bottled water and other resources. We can't thank you enough for your support!  

How You Can Help

Help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/donate or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to 2925 E. 57th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57108.