Quick thaws and heavy rains brought the Red and Mississippi Rivers to flood levels across the Midwest, threatening hundreds of homes and businesses and forcing evacuations for several communities. Since the first week in April, Red Cross relief operations have been set up in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.
Many towns continue to fight the floodwaters by shoring up levees and dikes with sandbags.
American Red Cross disaster workers are in action across these states providing for the needs of flood victims, community members and emergency workers. While the Mississippi River has yet to crest in parts of Illinois and Iowa, nearly 900 families overall have already been affected by the spring floods in six states. Nearly 900 Red Cross workers These numbers are sure to change as the Mississippi River crest moves downstream and Red Cross disaster relief workers reach out to flood victims. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 3757, Church Street Station, New York, New York 10008.