Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton: One year later

Описание: Last September, Hurricane Helene tore through the southern United States, leaving a trail of destruction from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains. Powerful winds and storm surge battered homes along Florida’s western coastline and Big Bend area, and, as the storm moved inland, its remnants unleashed relentless rainfall, triggering flash floods that overwhelmed neighborhoods, businesses and vital infrastructure. Western North Carolina, including the city of Asheville, was dealt a catastrophic blow, with surrounding mountain communities in neighboring states also experiencing severe damage as Helene’s remnants swept through.

In the wake of this widespread disaster, the American Red Cross launched a large-scale emergency response spanning 10 states. Despite significant challenges — including disrupted communications and limited access to affected areas — Red Cross teams mobilized quickly. Volunteers and staff worked tirelessly alongside local partners to deliver essential aid, including secure shelter, nourishing meals, clean water and essential relief supplies, to tens of thousands of people reeling from the storm’s impact. In addition to putting a roof over survivors’ heads, our shelters also became safe spaces where affected families could charge electrical devices and access food, water, free wi-fi and current information.

For many hurricane survivors, the immediate aftermath of Helene was just the beginning of the disaster. In some of the hardest-hit communities from Florida to North Carolina, many residents endured days without electricity, running water or reliable road access. The Red Cross remained on the ground in these heavily impacted areas, helping families navigate these hardships. Our teams provided basic health services, such as replacing lost medications and eyeglasses, and offered emotional support to those coping with trauma and uncertainty. We also helped individuals and families reconnect with loved ones who had been separated by the storm.

Learn more about our responses to Hurricanes Helene and Milton at https://redcross.org/Helene