American Red Cross deploys Missouri responders to Texas after Hurricane Beryl
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the American Red Cross has dispatched 12 responders from Missouri to Texas.
This deployment follows just four days after an emergency response vehicle was sent to aid in the disaster relief efforts.
According to Rebecca Gordon, executive director of the Central and Northern Missouri Chapter of the Red Cross, the primary concern is arranging shelters as Texas is facing massive flooding and an intense heat wave. One of the Missouri members heading to Texas is from Mid-Missouri.
"We actually have over 500 responders across the United States deployed, and many of our Red Cross volunteers are in what we call staff shelters," Gordon said.
Hurricane Beryl has left 1.6 million people without power. Gordon emphasized the urgent need for shelters, cooling stations, food and medical devices.
"Right now, we're dealing with major flooding and a heat wave. We're working very hard to get shelters opened up and ensure people have access to food and medical devices," Gordon said.
Thursday's deployment comes just a day after Missouri Task Force One returned to Columbia. Task Force One returned following the death of Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Matt Tobben. Tobben drowned on Monday after a rescue boat capsized in north Columbia.
Initially, Gordon held back on sending more volunteers due to weather conditions in Missouri. However, plans are in place to deploy more responders in the coming weeks. Currently, four volunteers are on stand-by for deployment.
Gordon noted July is typically a calm period for hurricanes, which usually occur in late August and September.
"So for it to strike and really develop at the end of June, first part of July, we were just getting out of a storm season here in the Midwest, and here we go with hurricane season. So it's going to be a busy year," Gordon said.
This mission operates on a cycle service, with the first wave of volunteers returning after a few weeks and a second wave being deployed, continuing until their assistance is no longer needed.
For those interested in volunteering, visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up for opportunities with your local chapter.
