Disaster-trained volunteers from the American Red Cross of Georgia are deploying to Alaska to support extensive relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Halong, which has devastated several coastal villages and forced the evacuation of as many as 2,000 residents. Evacuees are being transported nearly 500 miles from their homes to safe shelter in Anchorage, Alaska.

The typhoon’s impact has left many Alaskan communities in crisis, prompting a significant humanitarian response. The Red Cross is working closely with state, tribal, and local officials to support the thousands arriving in Anchorage, offering safe shelter, food, emergency relief supplies, emotional support, and essential health services.

The impacted region presents unique logistical challenges, accessible only by air or sea. Evacuees are first airlifted by helicopter to Bethel, where Red Cross disaster workers register them before their second flight to Anchorage.

“I believe deploying with the Red Cross is my highest and best use,” said Vivian McWilliams, a Georgia Disaster Cycle Services volunteer preparing for deployment. “Helping these people in their greatest time of need when their villages have been washed out to sea is immeasurable.”

In addition to supporting evacuees in Anchorage, the Red Cross will extend aid to other remote villages in the region. As winter rapidly approaches, these communities face dire circumstances, with many residents lacking power or running water, their stored food from hunting and fishing – crucial for winter survival – now ruined, and home heating stoves damaged. This damage poses a significant threat as sub-zero temperatures loom, making the availability of essential supplies and support critical for survival through the coming months.

The Red Cross of Georgia remains prepared to deploy additional disaster-trained workers as needed, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to national disaster response.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Thousands of people in Alaska have lost everything and will be unable to return home and begin their recovery while winter keeps them out of their villages for the next several months. People are depending on the Red Cross for help, and we need your support. Help people affected by disasters big and small — whenever and wherever they occur across the country — by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also choose to donate by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER The American Red Cross asks you to consider giving the gift of your time this year and resolve to help people in need as a volunteer in Georgia. Depending on your interests, the Red Cross offers a variety of volunteer opportunities — from supporting a family after a fire in their home, helping a member of the military during an emergency, or helping us ensure blood is available for patients who need it. The need to help has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteer and get started today.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on social media.

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