(WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s been five days since Hurricane Helene ravaged the Southeast as a Category 4 storm, leaving immense damage and catastrophic flooding in its wake.
Nearly 160 people have died across six states, a number that will likely continue to rise with hundreds of people still unaccounted for. Power outages and impassible roads are hampering search and rescue efforts and the delivery of badly needed supplies.
On Tuesday, the American Red Cross of Wisconsin held a virtual media briefing to provide updates on its response to the tragedy.
In total, more than 900 Red Cross disaster responders and partners have been deployed to the Southeast and are working around the clock to help those in need, according to Mary Jane Thomsen, executive director of the Red Cross’s Northwest Wisconsin Chapter.
“Right now, our focus is on providing shelter, meals and emotional support and relief supplies, keeping people safe as they face this unimaginable destruction,” said Thomsen. “Each day we are working tirelessly and assessing so that we can reach more neighborhoods as conditions improve.”
Thomsen said so far, the Red Cross has provided over 18,000 overnight stays and 25,000 meals to individuals impacted by Helene’s devastation.
Dave Nelson is one of 30 volunteers from the American Red Cross of Wisconsin who were deployed to assist in recovery efforts.
Nelson is among 14 responders from Wisconsin stationed in Florida. Another 12 are in the Carolinas, three are in Tennessee and one is in Georgia. Additionally, three emergency response vehicles from Green Bay, Madison and Milwaukee have been deployed — two in Florida and another in Tennessee.
Nelson said he’s stationed at the Red Cross’s Tallahassee headquarters. He’s working with government operation liaisons and counties’ emergency managers to coordinate and distribute shelter, meals and supplies for people in need.
“I work directly with our operations staff here that then takes the determination of how we’re going to get those supplies, set up those shelters and get the feeding routes set up in the state,” Nelson said.
It’s a real critical component of what we need to do to help these people get back on their feet and provide hope for them to survive this terrible disaster.
Red Cross officials say if you’d like to support recovery efforts, you can make a financial donation, volunteer your time or donate blood. Click here for more information.
