Hurricane Michael: One Year Later
One year ago, Hurricane Michael devastated parts of the Florida Panhandle, sweeping away homes and businesses in coastal towns like Mexico Beach and Panama City. The storm’s power stunned many lifelong Floridians as it ripped through communities with 150 mph winds and a 14-foot storm surge, leaving piles of rubble behind. As the storm moved inland, the destruction continued through areas of Alabama and Georgia, damaging homes and leaving many without power.
Thanks to the generosity of our year-round disaster relief donors, the Red Cross was ready to bring swift aid to impacted communities. This support made it possible for us to harness the power of trained volunteers, as well as prepositioned supplies and equipment. Collaborating with community, nonprofit and government partners, we set up shelters, deployed vehicles, equipment and more to bring much-needed aid to tens of thousands. In addition, our volunteers delivered vital emotional and spiritual support
to survivors.
As Michael receded, residents faced the task of assessing damage and beginning the road to recovery. For many, the storm’s high winds left massive debris that took weeks to clear. Through it all, Red Cross volunteers remained, providing continued comfort, food and water, cleanup supplies like bleach, tarps, work gloves, trash bags, shovels and rakes—and much more to help ease the challenges created by this ferocious storm.
One year after Hurricane Michael rocked communities in Florida, Alabama and Georgia, the Red Cross continues to provide support for hurricane survivors. This is a team effort: We collaborate with government agencies and nonprofit organizations, as well as businesses and faith-based organizations to help residents access the critical services and resources they need to rebuild
their lives.
We also provided additional financial assistance— totaling approximately $8.5 million—to thousands of households that needed extra help. This recovery assistance, geared toward more complex concerns like home repairs, allowed residents to prioritize their own needs, from helping with the purchase of a new roof or specialized medical equipment to paying for transportation and lodging costs.
Learn more at redcross.org/michael
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