What is Red Cross doing after Maria……..
September 30th, 2017Dear Friend,
The devastation from Hurricane Maria is truly heartbreaking in its impact on millions of people. We know this is a challenging and emotional time, and the American Red Cross is working around the clock to get help to those who need it most. Maria was the most intense hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years. Striking just days after Hurricane Irma had thrashed the U.S. Virgin Islands, Maria carved a severe trail of destruction across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands again, devastating homes, businesses, infrastructure and crops; knocking out power and cell phone service; and spurring widespread flooding and mudslides.
Impacted communities in these two U.S. territories need critical relief like clean water, food, hygiene items and cleanup kits as they work to return to a normal life.
The Red Cross has mobilized hundreds of its disaster workers and relief supplies to support our response efforts in the islands. As of September 29, this includes:
- 20,000 comfort kits with hygiene items
- 6,000 blankets to keep warm
- 5,000 cleanup kits including items like mops and shovels
- 8,000 tarps to cover damaged portions of homes
- Thousands of flashlights, batteries, dust masks, hand sanitizer and more.
In addition, we are helping to reconnect families, distribute food and water and support sheltering where possible.
Getting more supplies to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands remains difficult, but we’re working with federal, corporate and community partners to get relief to the regions by both sea and air.
Sincerely, Harvey Johnson
Senior Vice President, Disaster Cycle Services American Red Cross