Another 10 Iowa Red Cross volunteers were deployed Saturday to respond to Hurricane Harvey. This brings to 20 the number of Iowans deployed to the region impacted by Harvey, which on Saturday was downgraded to a tropical storm.
Heavy rains are expected to continue for much of the week. Devastating flooding is predicted in the region.
Saturday deployments included four volunteers trained in sheltering, one trained in feeding, two ready to provide health services, one working in distribution of emergency supplies, and an emergency response vehicle with two volunteers.
The Red Cross reports that more than 1,400 people took refuge from the storm Friday night in 24 Red Cross and community shelters. Evacuation orders remain in effect in Texas and Louisiana. Four additional shelters are on standby if needed. Shelters are also on standby in Arkansas for people who may evacuate into that state, and the Red Cross is working with officials there to coordinate any response that may be needed.
The Red Cross has tractor-trailer loads of relief supplies in the region, enough to support more than 20,000 people for weeks. The supplies include cots, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, comfort kids and cleaning supplies. The Red Cross is also mobilizing its disaster partners to support feeding, child care, disaster assessment and other disaster services.
Iowans who want to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey can visit redcross.org, call 1800-RED-CROSS, or text the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
