American Red Cross and Salvation Army give assistance to Hurricane Laura victims

At nearly 150 miles per hour, Hurricane Laura made landfall in Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Laura has left severe damage and debris. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army are prepared to provide essential resources to those who were greatly impacted. 

As hurricane Laura continues to travel through Louisiana, the American Red Cross is prepared to also travel to help those in need.

John McFarland, Executive Director of Southeast American Red Cross says trucks are packed and ready whenever there’s a call for help.

“We've got emergency response vehicles staffed, stocked and ready to go. We’ve got water, food-everything that they need.”

Trucks are packed with water, snacks, personal care items and cleanup kits. The Red Cross says 18-wheelers full of supplies were sent prior to the hurricane where local Red Crossers can restock.

The Salvation Army of Meridian seeks the same efforts.

Lieutenant of the Salvation Army Tamara Robb says, “Jackson has been deployed to Lake Charles and Baton Rouge is being deployed to Lake Charles. They have 15 units in route to there and other affected areas. We have not been deployed at this point, but usually the deployment will last for two weeks. If they need us after that, they will call us into play.”

The American Red Cross is also providing immediate shelter for victims.