Written by Javier Carabeo, American Red Cross Public Affairs

Days after its landfall, Hurricane Debby’s effects continue to impact communities in Florida’s Big Bend area. Thousands across the region’s most vulnerable communities—already hit hard just under a year ago by Hurricane Idalia—continue to experience the lasting effects of Debby’s storm surge flooding and subsequent power outages.

As the climate crisis looms large over areas vulnerable to natural disasters, it has increasingly become a great humanitarian challenge along several fronts. With disasters increasing in both frequency and intensity, organizations like the American Red Cross find themselves at the frontlines of disaster response. Throughout Florida and other coastal areas, the frequency with which hurricanes have made landfall has made it difficult for some communities to replace the infrastructure and housing, often most affected by wind damage, flooding, and the debris that come with hurricanes.

Dariana Molina, Regional Communications Manager from the South Florida Red Cross, was among one of many deployed to communities recently affected by Debby. From North Florida’s Capital Area Chapter in Tallahassee, Dariana and other Red Crossers worked together to assess the damage left behind by Debby and planned the distribution of emergency supplies, comfort kits, and hot meals to nearby distressed Floridians whose homes were damaged, flooded, or completely destroyed by storm surges of up to 4.65 feet above ground level and pummeling wind damage.

Speaking about what she has seen on the ground, Dariana noted, “I have been assisting in relief efforts in Mayo in Lafayette County and Live Oak in Suwanee County. Comparable to some of what we saw last year from Idalia in Steinhatchee and Horseshoe Beach, the damage in back-to-back years has severely affected some of these communities. It has taken a toll not only on the homes of many, but on their morale as well.”

While most Floridians are no strangers to hurricanes, the increasing frequency of storms has left many wondering how to recuperate and move forward. In this challenging landscape, one of the crucial roles Red Crossers play is offering moral support. Offering more detail, Dariana noted, “Thanks to support from our donors and partners throughout the region, the American Red Cross is here to offer not only logistical but moral support. In setting up shelters for the Big Bend’s many displaced residents, we hope to offer not just warm beds and food, but companionship and a willingness to listen to community members’ concerns through these difficult times.”

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For more information on the Red Cross response to Hurricane Debby, visit here.