update on our response to the devastating floods in Louisiana

I want to provide a quick update on our response to the devastating floods in Louisiana, where local officials estimate that at least 110,000 homes were damaged. Although floodwaters have receded in parts of hard-hit Baton Rouge, many residents are still coping with ongoing flooding—and downpours are forecasted to aggravate conditions this week.

Thousands of people sought refuge in Red Cross shelters Monday night—more than one week after swiftly rising waters began ravaging communities. For Louisiana residents like Sandra, who escaped and lost nearly everything, these shelters are not only a place to sleep, but also a safe haven where compassionate volunteers provide meals, relief supplies, emergency information, health services and emotional support.

If you have loved ones or colleagues in impacted areas, please share our safety and cleanup tips, which include what to do when returning to flood-damaged homes.

Over 1,900 Red Cross workers from every state are involved in a massive response, including delivering meals and cleanup supplies where it’s safe to do so. The need is dire, especially for residents who are beginning the daunting process of mucking out their homes. They’re spending hours hauling saturated furniture, clothes and personal mementos to curbs outside—all while an intense stench of rotting fish permeates the air in many of these affected communities.

The Red Cross is committed to helping people in Louisiana recover from the floods—the worst natural disaster to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Sandy. We estimate this relief effort could cost at least $30 million, but as of Aug. 22, we’ve only received about $7.8 million in designated donations and pledges to support Louisiana.

Our work wouldn't be possible without dedicated our communities support. Please share this information with your networks to help us ensure Red Cross safety and response information is accessible to everyone who needs it. 

If you would like to become a trained Red Cross volunteer you can start that process today: http://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer#step1 

If you and your family are able to make a financial gift to support this response you can do that right at your computer: http://www.redcross.org/local/louisiana/ways-to-donate 

All our thanks,

Laura S Hann

Louisiana and Southeast Floods

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Louisiana and Southeast Floods

The flooding in Louisiana is likely the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The historic flooding began to take shape Friday and continued through the weekend as rain came down on the southern Louisiana region. The situation in Louisiana is extremely chaotic and gaining access to many areas is difficult due to flooding and numerous road closures. In addition, power and phone outages are complicating relief efforts. Local officials have reported 20,000 water rescues and are estimating that 10,000 homes have been impacted. With the ongoing floods, many areas remain inaccessible. The threat of ongoing floods continue as weather experts predict more rain is possible.

More than 1,700 National Guard troops have been mobilized with more on the way. On Sunday evening the President declared a major disaster in Louisiana including the most heavily parishes of Tangipahoa, St. Helena, East Baton Rouge and Livingston. This list is expected to grow. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for the town of Lake Arthur in the Jefferson Davis Parish.

On Sunday night, more than 10,600 people sought refuge in nearly 50 Red Cross and community shelters across Louisiana. In addition to opening and supporting shelters, Red Cross disaster volunteers are providing shelter, food and comfort now with more help on the way. An additional 500 Red Cross disaster volunteers from all over the country are on their way to help in Louisiana. The Red Cross has also mobilized 60 disaster response vehicles, 40,000 ready-to-eat meals, and more than two dozen trailer loads of shelter and kitchen supplies.

Preliminary estimates indicate the Red Cross response efforts could cost more than $10 million and it is likely to change as more information becomes available.

Large disasters like the floods in Louisiana create more needs than any one organization can meet and the Red Cross is working closely with the entire response community – federal, state, county and local agencies, and other non-profit organizations, churches, area businesses and others- to coordinate relief efforts and deliver help quickly and efficiently, keeping in mind the diverse needs of the community. Some of these organizations include the Southern Baptists Disaster Relief, Save the Children and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps.

Because the flooding isn’t over, it will take some time to fully uncover the extent of the devastation once the water recedes and the Red Cross will work closely with its partners to ensure people receive the help they need as quickly as possible.

In Mississippi, rainfall is continuing causing additional flooding. The governor of Mississippi issued a state of emergency for Adams, Amite, Pike, Wilkinson and other counties affected by the rain and floods over the last several days. Mandatory evacuations are still in place for Crosby and Osyka. The Red Cross is coordinating with local emergency management to provide assistance as necessary.