FARGO, N.D. (RED CROSS) – Devastating tornadoes and high winds tore through eastern North Dakota and northern Minnesota, leaving behind fatal destruction in communities such as Enderlin, ND, and widespread damage in Bemidji, MN. Homes were leveled, power lines toppled, and families forced to flee to community centers, fire halls, and churches for safety. Trained American Red Cross disaster responders mobilized early Saturday morning assessing needs, delivering critical support and comforting people affected by the storms.
“Our hearts are with the families, friends, and communities grieving the loss of three lives in Enderlin and everyone dealing with the aftermath of the storms,” said Brice Johnson, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. “These disasters change lives in an instant. We’re working side by side with local community and tribal partners to make sure people have a safe place to stay, food, disaster resources and support they need to begin recovering.”
In North Dakota, Red Cross disaster response teams are active in Enderlin, Jamestown, and Valley City, some of the heavily impacted areas with damage to numerous homes. Local Red Cross volunteers fanned out across communities providing water, snacks and resources as well as collecting preliminary information on the damage.
How to get help If you or someone you know needs shelter or support after these storms, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit RedCross.org/Shelter. You can also download the Red Cross Emergency App for real-time alerts and shelter locations by texting “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 or searching “Red Cross Emergency” in your app store.
How to Help This disaster response is expected to grow as teams continue assessments in rural areas. Red Cross teams will remain in affected communities for as long as help is needed.
You can help people affected by disasters like severe storms, tornadoes and countless other crises across the country by making a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief:
Visit redcross.org
- Call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)
- Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation
Your gift helps the Red Cross prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters of all sizes across the country.
