Red Cross Helping Those in Need Following Record Rainfall and Widespread Flooding in Southern Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN, September 27, 2010 –The American Red Cross is lending a hand to those in need in southern Minnesota where record rainfall led to widespread flooding. Red Cross shelters, feeding, emotional support, and comfort kits have reached approximately 3,000 people. Nearly 200 Red Cross volunteers and staff have responded to this disaster.
The Red Cross has served 3,500 meals and snacks, and has also provided safe shelter for more than 100 people. Emergency shelters were opened in Austin, Elgin, Hollandale, Mazeppa, Millville, Owatonna, Pine Island, Rochester, Truman, Zumbrota and Zumbro Falls.
“From the beginning of this disaster we have provided shelter and hygiene kits for families that were forced to flee their homes,” says Melanie Tschida, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southeast Minnesota Regional Chapter.
During the coming days of recovery, the Red Cross will distribute hundreds more snacks, meals, and clean-up kits to families affected by the high waters.
Preliminary Red Cross damage assessment teams have found approximately 5,000 dwellings affected by this disaster. Of these, at least 59 are destroyed, rendering them permanently uninhabitable, and more than 200 have major damage that will require extensive repair.
“Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss,” says Tschida. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that we’re reaching those who need Red Cross services.”
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Posted by amrecro 
