SOUTH CAROLINA, April 6, 2023 – Two disaster-trained volunteers from the American Red Cross of South Carolina are deploying to support disaster relief operations the U.S. territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as Typhoon Mawar heavily impacts the area.
"I'm deploying with the Red Cross to Guam so that I can assist people on their most difficult day. The activity in Guam this week has presented that to more than 150,000 people," said Louis Palm who is deploying to Guam on Friday morning from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Most of Guam is without power as sustained 140 mph winds whip across the island. Electricity, water and communications (including internet services) may be unavailable for days and perhaps weeks after the storm passes. Damage on Guam could be devastating. More than 40,000 homes built with lighter materials could see considerable damage. The American Red Cross is coordinating with local emergency management and government officials, federal partners, as well as community and humanitarian agencies, to ensure we are positioned to respond quickly and efficiently. Together, we are prepared to provide life-sustaining services and resources across the islands.
The American Red Cross of South Carolina stands ready to send additional disaster workers as requested.
YOU CAN HELP Help people affected by Typhoon Mawar in U.S. territories including Guam. Financial donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS, or text the word TYPHOON 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
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