SOUTH CAROLINA, July 12, 2023 – Five disaster-trained volunteers from the American Red Cross of South Carolina are deploying to support disaster relief operations in Vermont where catastrophic flooding is forcing people from their homes. There are multiple shelters open across the region and Red Cross disaster teams are helping assess the damage and working with officials to determine what other support is needed.
"I'm deploying with the Red Cross to Vermont in hopes to get there and really help people,” said Red Cross of South Carolina volunteer, Jim Bair, who is deploying to Vermont on Wednesday. “I help because I have been through many hurricanes living at the beach, so I understand the losses these people are dealing with.”
The damage began over the weekend, causing major flooding in New York and Pennsylvania. Rain levels in the Northeast are as much as 500% above normal and have caused devastating flooding in Vermont. The threat in Vermont isn’t over. Major river flooding is forecast for the Lake Champlain Basin, with moderate flooding forecast for the rest of the state. Several dams are reaching flood stage, which could cause more damage. Emergency responders have conducted multiple water rescues, several areas are cut off due to flooding, more than 7,000 customers are without power, many roads have been washed away, and multiple homes and businesses are damaged.
Almost 200 people sought refuge from the flooding overnight in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and Pennsylvania. There are as many as 20 shelters open across the region where people can find a safe place to stay, food and drink and comfort as they weather the storm. The American Red Cross of South Carolina stands ready to send additional disaster workers as requested.
YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a gift to 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, call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER Every day, the American Red Cross sees the heartbreak of people trying to cope with more intense storms, heavier rainfall, higher temperatures, stronger hurricanes, and more devastating wildfires. As more people rely on the Red Cross for help, the need for compassionate volunteers has never been greater. This spring, consider volunteering with the American Red Cross in one of our urgently needed volunteer opportunities. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteer
CLIMATE CRISIS The climate crisis is driving extreme weather conditions across the country with the ongoing flooding in the Northeast and extreme heat in the south as examples. Some experts say with the arrival of El Niño in the Pacific Ocean, the situation may get worse. As these extreme weather disasters increase, more people need help from the Red Cross. Find out more about the Red Cross and its work on the climate crisis here.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC ###