Local Spring Flooding
More than 50 homes in Crooked Creek were damaged or destroyed by flooding due to spring ice jams on the lower Kuskokwim River beginning May 8.
American Red Cross of Alaska immediately sent emergency comfort kits, infant supplies, clothing, shoes, and hygiene items to those who had to evacuate their homes.
Floodwaters covered the airstrip, and Crooked Creek is not on the roadsystem. As soon as planes were being accepted on the runway, Red Cross volunteers Pandora Willingham and Robin Swartz flew to Crooked Creek, along with representatives from the State of Alaska. Governor Parnell declared Crooked Creek flooding a state disaster. Together, they have been working with the village on disaster assessment and determining the needs of the community.
On May 13, Red Cross began sheltering Crooked Creek residents whose homes were affected by the floods.
Four Red Cross volunteers have been feeding about 140 meals a day to sustain those rebuilding their homes and community. Red Cross has also supplied residents with heavy duty cleanup kits (with items like bleach, gloves, shovels, etc.).
View photos from the Crooked Creek flooding and Red Cross shelter.
How you can help the people of Crooked Creek:
Financial contributions remain the best way to help the people of Crooked Creek. Please consider a donation to the Red Cross or other organizations working directly with the Crooked Creek community, communicating firsthand with residents about critical needs.
- $50 provides a cot for overnight stays in the shelter
- $125 provides a family with a heavy duty home flood cleanup kit
- $500 provides 75 wool blankets at the shelter
- With $1000, Red Cross volunteers can feed hot meals to 150 shelter residents
Red Cross Volunteer Pandora Willingham listening to Crooked Creek woman's story.
Interesting in becoming a Red Cross volunteer? Learn more here.
|
