American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

Disaster Alert

California - The Spring Fire burned thousands of acres, burned homes as well as buildings and prompted evacuations of thousands of residents in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties on Thursday.

Orange County Chapter deployed team members opened a shelter for evacuated residents but closed when evacuation was lifted.

Team members from the Ventura County Chapter opened two shelters for evacuees, placed another on stand-by and provided Mass Care.

The ARC of Greater Los Angeles Chapter deployed team members and opened a shelter for residents within the affected area.

Seasonal rains starting in March 2013 have caused severe flooding and landslides in Kenya, destroying houses, crops and vital infrastructure, forcing affected populations to leave their homes in search of safer areas.

Flooding has displaced 10,000 households, caused 39 deaths and destroyed 640 households completely.  Rains are forecasted to continue into the month of June and could worsen flooding and cause further displacement and destruction. Immediate needs include search and rescue services, safe shelter, access to water and improved sanitation, health and hygiene education, and grants to enable affected populations to purchase the supplies they need in areas where markets are functioning.

The American Red Cross has committed $200,000 dollars to the relief program that will be used to provide cash grants for purchase of replacement household items.  American Red Cross staff located in Nairobi are working closely with the Kenyan Red Cross and monitoring the evolving situation. 

Disaster Update

Texas - American Red Cross and Society of St. Vincent de Paul Team Up to Help Families with Transitional Housing Plans Following West, Texas Explosion

Following the massive explosion that rocked the small town of West, Texas, affecting nearly 350 families, organizations like the American Red Cross and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul-South Central Region are working together to help meet emerging needs.

Some families are still staying in local hotels as they look for new places to live. To help ease the burden, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – South Central Region and the American Red Cross have teamed up to help.

Caseworkers with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will meet with any families who need extensions on local hotels, while the American Red Cross is offering to provide security deposits and first month’s rent as new residences are found.

“It’s critical that we work together at times like this,” said Mark Felton, executive director, American Red Cross, Waco, Texas. “We’re appreciative of these types of partnerships because we know no one organization can do it alone.”

Caseworkers are available at the Knights of Columbus Hall or the Community Center through at least May 3, 2013. After that, services will still remain available by calling the help hotline at (254) 826-7550 or the Red Cross Heart of Texas at (800) 733-2767.