It’s hard to believe it’s already been one year since Hurricane Ida left a path of destruction from Louisiana to Pennsylvania and beyond. In this update, you’ll read about the massive relief operation launched by the Red Cross here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as the stories of survival from just a few of the thousands of people we helped. For more on relief operations in other areas, including Louisiana, New Jersey and New York, click here.
On August 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana as a powerful Category 4 storm, causing damage there that is second only to Hurricane Katrina. But the storm wasn’t done there. Three days later, on September 1, the remnants of Ida arrived in Southeastern Pennsylvania, unleashing tornadoes and torrential rainfall.
The flooding that followed was widespread, affecting the Brandywine Creek in Chester County, the Perkiomen Creek in Montgomery County and the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, just to name a few. In the City of Philadelphia, the flooding was the worst along the Schuylkill River since 1869!
More than 180 American Red Cross disaster workers mounted a massive response to help the thousands of people whose homes were flooded or damaged by falling trees.
One of those homes belonged to Lisa McAllister and her family. What started as an exciting first day of school for twin sisters Caty and Dani ended with terror as a tornado tore through their Fort Washington neighborhood. Huddled in the lowest floor of their home, they recall hearing “what sounded like 50 freight trains” and crashing overhead. Then, there was silence, followed by the sound of pouring water. As they emerged, they found their home had been trashed by the twister, with trees taking out large sections of the roof and sides. Read the full story.
Red Cross damage assessment teams found more than 900 homes had either major damage or were destroyed in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. For weeks, Red Cross volunteers served warm meals, provided safe shelter and offered emotional support to survivors whose lives were changed forever by this storm. Families shared stories of their harrowing escapes from flooded homes, wading in chest-deep waters or climbing out second-story windows and into rescue boats.
Desiree Nicholls and her nephew found themselves in that situation as creeks around their Hatboro home became raging rivers within minutes. Desiree remembers wading through 4 feet of water as they left their home with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Desiree says she’s very thankful for the Red Cross volunteers who helped her navigate the complex disaster recovery process. She spent more than four months living in hotels as she worked through getting her home repaired. Read the full story.
From sheltering to financial assistance, Red Cross services helped bridge the gap between heartbreak and hope. More than 1,500 people in Southeastern Pennsylvania received financial assistance from the Red Cross. This assistance is critical, as a 2019 study showed that nearly 40% of U.S. adults would need to borrow money or sell personal items to cover an unexpected expense of $400 or more. In addition, Red Cross workers helped serve more than 3,500 meals and snacks and distributed some 2,100 relief supplies.
Meanwhile, nearly a year later, the McAllister family is still in the process of rebuilding their home. But they continue to be appreciative for the kindness of Red Cross volunteers throughout their ordeal.
All this support is made possible by the generosity of donors and the volunteers who donate their time and talents to the Red Cross. We thank you for your continued commitment to our mission.
Written by Dave Skutnik