TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross is sending volunteers to help people in Puerto Rico impacted by Hurricane Fiona. Volunteer Brenda Sawyer left Tucson International Airport today to make her way to the island.
She is a disaster mental health worker who will be providing emotional support to the people of Puerto Rico.
Sawyer says, "I think like a lot of people when you see the news on television, you feel very helpless." So she's on her way to provide the help she can.
Hurricane Fiona left destruction on the island and millions without power and water.
Sawyer says “in Puerto Rico they handle things a little differently. The government actually runs the shelter and the red cross supports them in that effort.” There are currently 120 shelters open and running on the island.
The Red Cross is no stranger to the area. Five years ago, Puerto Rico took a big hit from Hurricane Maria. The American Red Cross contributed more than 1.5 million dollars to Puerto Rico. Volunteers were there to assist and rebuild for years after Hurricane Maria hit in 2017.
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Fiona now a Category 4 hurricane, most of Puerto Rico remains powerless
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Heidi Alagha is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. Heidi spent 5 years as the morning anchor in Waco where she was named the best anchor team by the Texas Associated Press. Share your story ideas and important issues with Heidi by emailing heidi.alagha@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.