It’s been more than a month since the remnants of Hurricane Ida brought record flooding and at least five tornadoes to Southeastern Pennsylvania. Massive flooding occurred along the Brandywine Creek in Chester County, the Perkiomen Creek in Montgomery County and the Schuylkill River in both Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. In the City of Philadelphia, the flooding was the worst along the Schuylkill since 1869.

For more than two weeks following the storm, Red Cross volunteers worked 24/7 to provide safe shelter, food and relief supplies to people affected.

Four deaths were also attributed to the storm, and the Red Cross mobilized integrated condolence care teams to provide support to families who lost a loved one.

Red Cross disaster teams also worked with closely with local officials to help assess the damage left behind.

Red Cross disaster workers found that more than 900 homes received either major damage or were destroyed across Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

The American Red Cross continues to work with our partners to provide help to people struggling with the heartbreaking damage left behind. A month later, Red Cross disaster workers are focused on helping people through the complicated recovery process. Volunteer caseworkers with the Red Cross are connecting people with resources and referrals to help them get back on their feet.

Thanks to our generous donors, the Red Cross is getting emergency financial assistance into the hands of residents whose homes were severely impacted by Ida. 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.

The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters every year. Large disasters like hurricanes, floods and tornadoes are increasing in frequency and intensity. You can help people affected by disasters by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. Simply reach out to your Red Cross relationship manager. People can also visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.