While responding to devastating hurricanes Helene and Milton, the American Red Cross, is facing unprecedented challenges.
The hurricanes have caused extensive damage across multiple states.
"In each of those states, what I've seen is just tremendous damage for communities and for households," Trevor Riggen, president of humanitarian services at the American Red Cross explained.
He has traveled extensively, spending weeks in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and beyond, to witness the aftermath firsthand.
One particularly harrowing story came from Hendersonville, North Carolina.
"I met a family...the water over a period of an hour rose to about chest high above their countertops," Riggen recounted.
Despite their ordeal, the family didn't lose their spirit. In a Red Cross shelter, they were found aiding other victims, embodying the resilience Riggen sees across all affected areas.
"They were helping...making sure they had what they needed, helping the other Red Cross volunteers," he added.
The American Red Cross has initiated one of its largest relief operations in recent years to meet these growing needs.
"We have over 2,000 Red Cross volunteers and staff on the ground today across these states," Riggen noted.
Their efforts include deploying emergency response vehicles to serve hot meals, delivering supplies, and managing shelters for tens of thousands of displaced individuals.
"We've actually received over 11,000 calls for unification since the storm began," he mentioned, highlighting the critical assistance in reconnecting families.
One of the significant challenges Riggen faces is the sheer geographical scope of the disasters.
Hurricanes like Helene and Milton have caused destruction spanning hundreds of miles, affecting numerous states. The repetitive nature of these disasters only compounds the difficulties, with some communities experiencing multiple hits within a short period. "Some families...are now going through not once, not twice, but maybe three times in just one year," Riggen said.
Despite this, Riggen acknowledges the potential for disaster fatigue among responders and within impacted communities.
"We are responding to nearly twice as many disasters now as we were just 10 years ago," he remarked. Nonetheless, the influx of new volunteers brings a fresh wave of energy and hope.
Riggen shared the story of a Seattle-based volunteer who found herself aiding victims in Florida within days. "We are seeing thousands of people just like her showing up to serve," he said, underscoring the collective resolve to make a difference.
The Red Cross urgently calls for public support to sustain these critical efforts.
"The easiest way to help is to make a financial donation," Riggen urged.
Contributions can be made through their official website. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to volunteer or donate blood, each act playing a vital role in the ongoing recovery process.
"We need to be here alongside these communities not just today, but over the next few years," Riggen reiterated.
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