The American Red Cross has launched a massive disaster response in Northern California, where at least 188,000 people are under evacuation orders due to the potentially catastrophic failure of a spillway which is part of the Oroville dam system. On Wednesday morning, Laurynn Myers, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Mid-Hudson Valley, will travel to Sacramento, California to help coordinate and manage community partnerships as the Red Cross prepares to shelter and feed thousands of people in the coming days.
As of Monday morning, as many as 4,000 people were staying in at least a dozen shelters near Butte County, California. Around 100 Red Cross workers were already at work on the response yesterday, and dozens more – including Myers – are now on their way to provide additional support. At this time, there is no word on when people will be allowed to return home. The Red Cross is preparing to help for as long as needed.
The Red Cross depends on financial donations to provide immediate disaster relief. Help people affected by floods and countless other crises by making a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small across the United States.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Laurynn Myers will depart for Sacramento on the morning of Wednesday, February 15. Please contact Kimmy Venter at (518) 410-0481 or email kimmy.venter@redcross.org to arrange an interview with Myers prior to her departure.