The Pacific Northwest is bracing for another round of heavy rain that has already caused widespread flooding across Western Washington. The first round hit the region last week, forcing the evacuation of entire communities and triggering landslides that have blocked roads.

More than 250 responders from The American Red Cross, including over a dozen from the Cascades Region, are on the ground assisting those who’ve been displaced. Our teams have been providing shelter, food, emergency supplies, and giving emotional support. 

Yarisa Jaroch and her husband, Eric who are from the Portland Metro area, are driving an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) in the affected communities and distributing shelf-ready meals. Other drivers are taking clean up kits, and supplies like tarps and plastic tubs.

“We saw a great need.  These are our neighbors.  When a disaster happens closer to home, we want to be available,” says Yarisa.

So far, there have been more than 800 overnight shelter stays, and over 6,700 meals provided.  Many people are stopping in for basic necessities like water and snacks, to charge up their phones or to gather information. Thousands of people spent the last weekend assessing the damage on their properties with the knowledge that the danger isn’t over.

During the next few days there is a chance of more flooding, landslides, downed trees and power outages as new atmospheric rivers carrying rain and strong winds head toward the already saturated area.

Residents should remain vigilant ─ watch out for new flood warnings. Listen to the advice of emergency officials and be prepared to evacuate immediately if asked to do so. Don’t return home until it is safe.

Anyone who needs a safe place to stay or a warm meal can find shelter information on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).  

There’s never a good time to have a natural disaster, but the impact of this flooding is even more devastating since it’s happening around the holidays.  In addition, many residents are dealing with the devastation of flooding for the second time in four years.  Back in 2021, rivers overflowed their banks in some of the same communities that are under water again. 

If you want to help support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like flooding, fires and countless other crises, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.