Submitted Photo

Pictured are some Red Cross workers being trained to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac.

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WAYNE ALLEN

PDT Staff Writer

The Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross has sent Tom Frazier, Eli Allen and John Lykins to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. Allen is the Disaster Services Coordinator of the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, and said the need is great and the work continues.

“We’ve had staff down here since the 29th (of August). We originally started in Tampa (Florida). When the storm hit the New Orleans and Baton Rouge (Louisiana) area, we moved into that area,” Allen said.

He said the work that being done includes, “maintaining and operating shelters and bulk distribution of supplies such as food and water.”

He said the distribution of food and water is not restricted to those in the shelters. Allen said items such as food and water are distributed to nation guardsmen and the community in general.

“It’s a very fluid situation down here. There is a constant stream of staff and clients coming in. They are use to the hurricane weather so the evacuated ahead of the storm. We are now seeing them come back into the effected area,” Allen said.

He has not seen too much of the damaged area because all of his work is outside of that area, and he will be in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge are for the next two weeks.

According to information provided by the American Red Cross, the Red Cross expects the Isaac relief response will continue for several weeks. Days after the storm moved on, hundreds are still in shelters and evacuations are still occurring as waters continue to rise. Hundreds of thousands are still without power, and entire communities are cleaning up after devastating flooding.

“The road to recovery for these communities will not be easy, but they will not be alone,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president for Red Cross Disaster Services in a released statement. “As families return home to take stock, the Red Cross will be there – to make sure their emergency needs are met and help them get back on their feet.”

Officials with The Red Cross are estimating their response efforts could cost tens of million of dollars and is growing by the hour.

For more information about the Red Cross and their recovery efforts, visit www.redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 208, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.