Local aid groups join in hurricane relief effort

Hurricane Katrina – one of the worst natural disasters in American history – ripped into the… Hurricane Katrina – one of the worst natural disasters in American history – ripped into the South, leaving wreckage, floods and general chaos.

When the levees broke outside New Orleans, water poured into the city, communications went down and food and water became sparse. Looting broke out as people struggled to survive.

In its wake, Katrina spurred a relief effort so large that its effects are being felt locally.

A spokesperson for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Red Cross urged people to make financial contributions.

“We’ve already had many, many people calling asking what they can do to help,” spokeswoman Tami Aubele said. “This is one of the largest mobilizations of resources in our nation’s history.”

Aubele said that this disaster relief effort is unlike any other in Red Cross history because it is spanning many states and will last for many months.

In Pittsburgh, the Red Cross is gathering resources to aid the victims in New Orleans.

The organization has already sent out 56 pallets of items like bottled water, juice, granola bars and cleaning supplies to New Orleans.

On top of the pressure to act quickly for hurricane relief, humanitarian groups in Pittsburgh still have local obligations.

Iris Valanti – a spokeswoman for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank – said that her organization must now work on two fronts.

“This puts a severe strain on our resources,” Valanti said. “Whatever is sent to New Orleans, we must replace.”

Valanti said that the Food Bank will do all that it can for the hurricane victims, but it also must remain committed to local residents who are hungry.

The organization is hoping for more monetary support from the public in the upcoming months.

“We expect to be in emergency mode for at least a year,” Valanti said. “New Orleans is completely destroyed, and there are many refugees that will need emergency shelter for a long time. This is going to cost us.”

The Food Bank and the Red Cross are both accepting donations of money or food, and are particularly looking for things that can be opened and eaten without dishes.

The Red Cross’s Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter serves more than 1.6 million people and responds to more than 300 disasters each year.

The American Red Cross has already mobilized thousands of volunteers to assist with the relief effort.

Local religious and student groups are also rallying support and awareness for the victims down south.

The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh held a prayer service Friday in honor of those affected by Katrina. Members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity tabled for hurricane relief in front of the William Pitt Union Tuesday.