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Red Cross Helps Residents Recover After Tornadoes During Coronavirus Pandemic

Signs lead people to Red Cross hurricane shelter at East Meck High
Gwendolyn Glenn
/
WFAE

The American Red Cross says more than 100 residents are receiving aid across 17 North Carolina counties after seven tornadoes touched down in the state early Monday morning.

Robbie Sofaly, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross, says a public health emergency like the coronavirus pandemic coupled with a natural disaster has been particularly challenging for the families affected.

“These are traumatic events and that sense of trauma is heightened I would say," Sofaly said. "The uncertainty of what’s next is made worse as the availability of resources and services is even more scarce than it was prior to the pandemic.”

Sofaly says the Red Cross has responded to the needs of families and individuals ranging from clothing, shelter, replacing loss medication, to mental health resources and financial assistance.

Sarafina Wright is the "All Things Considered" producer for WFAE 90.7 Charlotte’s NPR Source. Before coming to WFAE, she worked as a political correspondent for EBONY.com, staff writer at the Washington Informer and editor-in-chief of the WI Bridge in Washington, DC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Howard University. When she's not writing professionally, Sarafina can be found blogging at www.sarafinasaid.com or hanging out with her book club, Charlotte West.