American Red Cross: A Beacon of Hope After Typhoon Halong in Alaska
BY MARIBEL PAULINO MARIñEZ National Spokesperson for the American Red Cross Alaska Region
The wind was howling, and the waves were pounding fiercely against the coasts of western Alaska. It was the devastating passage of Typhoon Halong, which in just a few hours turned entire towns into unrecognizable landscapes. Houses washed away by water, destroyed roads, families separated, and communities forced to abandon everything they knew.
Amid this tragedy, the American Red Cross became a symbol of hope. With news of the scale of the disaster, hundreds of volunteers and staff across the nation began to mobilize, aware that every second counted. Many towns were isolated, accessible only by air or sea. Helicopters evacuated the most vulnerable to Bethel, where they were received with blankets, hot food, and words of comfort. From there, the evacuees continued their journey to Anchorage, nearly 800 kilometers away, where shelters prepared with care and solidarity awaited them.
But aid did not stop. In still-isolated villages, many families face winter without electricity, potable water, or stored food for the cold season. Their stoves, vital for enduring the freezing climate, became unusable. The Red Cross works tirelessly to bring support to these remote places because no one should be left behind.
Behind each action are human stories: children finding comfort in donated stuffed animals, the elderly receiving medical care, and families who, despite losing everything, feel they are not alone.
How can you help? Thousands of people in Alaska need our help now more than ever. You can donate at https://www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also send the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate from your cell phone.
Thanks to the generous support of partner companies and foundations, the Red Cross can always be ready to respond to disasters. But the greatest strength comes from people like you who believe in solidarity and hope.
