Red Cross responding to devastation caused by Hurricane Florence

As Hurricane Florence makes landfall, millions in the storm’s path are bracing for its devastation over the coming days. 

The dangerous hurricane is expected to bring catastrophic flooding and life-threatening tidal surges to the region. As the storm advances, it will move slowly inland with strong winds, deadly storm surges reaching as high as 13-feet, and up to 40 inches of rain in some areas.

Experts are warning of catastrophic flash flooding in areas already waterlogged from earlier storms. Power, water, sewer and phone services could be disrupted for an extended time after landfall.

As the storm passes, the American Red Cross is working with state and local officials to ensure people receive the help they need as quickly as possible.

More than 1,500 American Red Cross personnel are on the ground across several states. Efforts are being ramped up to provide shelter for as many as 100,000 people. Approximately 80 emergency response vehicles and more than 120 trailers of equipment and relief supplies have already been deployed to deliver essential items.

The Canadian Red Cross maintains close ties with the American Red Cross and has opened an appeal to support the response. Canadians are encouraged to support Red Cross relief efforts by making a financial donation to the Hurricane Florence Appeal. Money raised will enable the Red Cross to provide relief, recovery, and resiliency activities in response to this disaster.

About the Canadian Red Cross
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 190 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and throughout the world.