The Central Florida chapter of the American Red Cross is mobilizing to assist in the aftermath of a devastating series of tornadoes that struck parts of the Midwest and South earlier this month. The deadly storms, which swept through the region in mid-May, claimed the lives of at least 27 people and left widespread destruction in their wake.
On Friday, Red Cross disaster relief teams—including seven volunteers from Central Florida—will deploy to Missouri, one of the hardest-hit states, to support ongoing recovery efforts. These local volunteers will join more than 360 Red Cross personnel already stationed in storm-affected areas.
Officials report that the tornadoes caused significant damage in the St. Louis area, where at least 38 people were injured and close to 5,000 structures were damaged or destroyed. Many residents have described the aftermath as resembling a “war zone,” with entire neighborhoods flattened and communities reeling from the destruction.
The Red Cross has indicated that the recovery process in Missouri will be extensive and could take months. With cleanup and rebuilding efforts just beginning, the organization anticipates the need for additional volunteer support in the coming weeks.
For those interested in contributing to relief operations, the Red Cross is continuing to accept donations and volunteer applications through its official website.