AUSTIN, Texas -- Our Caroline Blair spoke with the President and CEO of the American Red Cross on Thursday from Austin, Texas, about the devastation they're seeing in the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Harvey, their response and what we all can do to help.
Gail J. McGovern says the American Red Cross has launched one of its largest relief efforts ever along the Texas and Louisiana coasts. So far, they've helped tens of thousands of people who've fallen victim to flooding by Hurricane Harvey, which is one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the United States.
Volunteers are helping to provide food, shelter and comfort to people forced out of their homes, most due to swift flowing and high rising waters. Unfortunately, meteorologists think more rain could be on the way, which will only further complicate their response and the devastation.
McGovern says flooding has reached so high in many spots, mandatory evacuations have been ordered. So the Red Cross has helped open shelters, providing immediate needs of those impacted, like a safe place to stay, food to eat and comfort in their time of need.
However, none of this would be possible without help from the public. If you would like to donate to disaster relief and those affected by Hurricane Harvey, visit their website, call 1- 800-RED CROSS, or text the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.