Maui Volunteers Deploy to Texas in Response to Tropical Depression Bill

Tropical Depression Bill. Image courtesy National Weather Service/National Hurricane Center.

By Maui Now Staff

Six Hawaiʻi Red Cross volunteers are deploying to Texas to help with the Red Cross response to Tropical Depression Bill, including two volunteers with the Maui County organization.

According to the Hawaiʻi Red Cross, Maui volunteer Trina Shepherd will be assisting in disaster mental health services and Bobbie Lee of Maui will be assisting in general health services.

One volunteer from the Big Island of Hawaiʻi will be assisting in security services, and three volunteers from Oʻahu will be assisting in disaster mental health services, health services, and information and planning services.

Tropical Depression Bill rain totals. Image courtesy National Weather Service/ NOAA.

The Red Cross is responding throughout the state of Texas after Tropical Storm Bill made landfall on Tuesday, dropping as much as 4-8 inches of rain with some areas expected to see a foot of rainfall.

Red Cross shelters were still open from the earlier Texas flooding and more were set up to assist people in the path of the new storm.

Organization officials noted that the Tropical Depression comes on the heels of heavy flooding in May that affected thousands of homes.  The Red Cross reports that it sent 2,000 workers to the state, providing thousands of shelter stays in more than 50 shelters, serving more than 242,000 meals and snacks, and distributing more than 130,000 relief supplies.

How to Help: A donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief can help provide food, water and shelter for someone who has to leave their home. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.  Red Cross Disaster Relief donations are general and go toward response to disasters like floods, storms and other crises.

Download the Emergency App: The Red Cross “Emergency” app can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information in your hand for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts. You can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross or going to the following LINK.