WEATHER ALERT
Youngkin pledges Virginia’s support as Florida prepares for Hurricane Milton
Read full article: Youngkin pledges Virginia’s support as Florida prepares for Hurricane MiltonVirginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin pledged support for Florida this week as the state braces for Hurricane Milton. Youngkin confirmed that Virginia is responding to Florida’s request for assistance, with teams ready to mobilize ahead of the storm.
Rail Yard Dawgs participating in Helene relief efforts
Read full article: Rail Yard Dawgs participating in Helene relief effortsThe Rail Yard Dawgs announced Wednesday that the organization would be collaborating with the Red Cross and the “Star City Cares Flood Relief Supply” to help with relief efforts throughout areas impacted by Helene.
A year after Maui wildfire, chronic housing shortage and pricey vacation rentals complicate recovery
Read full article: A year after Maui wildfire, chronic housing shortage and pricey vacation rentals complicate recoveryThousands of displaced residents on Maui have faced a year of anxious uncertainty since the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century devastated Lahaina.
Israeli strikes on tent camps near Rafah kill at least 25 and wound 50, Gaza health officials say
Read full article: Israeli strikes on tent camps near Rafah kill at least 25 and wound 50, Gaza health officials sayGaza health officials say Israeli strikes on a tent camp outside the southern city of Rafah have killed at least 25 people and wounded another 50.
Rescue teams in Taiwan searching for family feared trapped in rockslide following earthquake
Read full article: Rescue teams in Taiwan searching for family feared trapped in rockslide following earthquakeRescue teams are searching for a family of five feared trapped in a rockslide following Taiwan's biggest earthquake in 25 years.
At least 7 are dead and 38 are rescued after a migrant boat was found near Spain's Canary Islands
Read full article: At least 7 are dead and 38 are rescued after a migrant boat was found near Spain's Canary IslandsSpanish maritime rescuers and the Red Cross say two bodies have been found in a migrant boat making the risky but increasingly popular voyage from West Africa toward Spain’s Canary Islands.
Live updates | More Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are released under truce
Read full article: Live updates | More Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are released under truceThe Israeli military has released 30 more Palestinian prisoners after eight more Israeli hostages were freed from captivity in the Gaza Strip under the temporary cease-fire.
Things to know about a landslide that has destroyed homes in Southern California
Read full article: Things to know about a landslide that has destroyed homes in Southern CaliforniaLeaders of a Southern California city hit by a destructive landslide are planning to vote on a resolution to declare a local emergency.
Residents displaced, one hospitalized after house fire in Danville
Read full article: Residents displaced, one hospitalized after house fire in DanvilleResidents of a Danville home have been displaced after a fire left flame and smoke damage to the building, according to the Danville Fire Department.
Pittsylvania County crews offering free smoke detector installation
Read full article: Pittsylvania County crews offering free smoke detector installationThanks to a partnership between Pittsylvania County Public Safety, the Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Red Cross, they are offering free installation of smoke detectors in Pittsylvania County residences that do not have one already installed, their website said.
Flooding looms large again in Mississippi's capital city
Read full article: Flooding looms large again in Mississippi's capital citySome Jackson residents are moving belongings out of their homes while others are stocking up on sandbags in anticipation of the Pearl River flooding Mississippi’s capital city.
Pentagon rejects DC request for National Guard migrant help
Read full article: Pentagon rejects DC request for National Guard migrant helpThe Pentagon has once again denied a request from the District of Columbia seeking National Guard assistance in dealing with thousands of migrants being bused to the city from Texas and Arizona.
Firefighters battle big blaze at Cuba tank farm for 2nd day
Read full article: Firefighters battle big blaze at Cuba tank farm for 2nd dayCuban firefighters have been joined by special teams sent by Mexico and Venezuela as they battle for a second day to control a fire blazing at a big oil tank farm.
Relatives of POWs call on Red Cross to help find loved ones
Read full article: Relatives of POWs call on Red Cross to help find loved onesRelatives of prisoners of war taken captive by Russia after the fall of Azovstal steel plant are calling for answers a week on from a prison attack in a separatist region of eastern Ukraine that reportedly killed dozens.
DC requests National Guard help with busloads of migrants
Read full article: DC requests National Guard help with busloads of migrantsThe District of Columbia has requested National Guard assistance to help stem a “growing humanitarian crisis” prompted by thousands of migrants that have been sent to Washington by a pair of southern states.
Franklin County Chaplains step in to help first responders and families in need
Read full article: Franklin County Chaplains step in to help first responders and families in needFor the past 10 years, Franklin County Public Safety Chaplains volunteers have stepped up to offer an ear or a shoulder to cry on when families need it the most.
EXPLAINER: What might happen to 100s of Ukrainian POWs?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: What might happen to 100s of Ukrainian POWs?The Red Cross says it has registered “hundreds” of Ukrainians POWs who have left the giant Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol after holding out in a weeks-long standoff with besieging Russian forces.
International aid reaches Tonga with clean water, supplies
Read full article: International aid reaches Tonga with clean water, suppliesAid flights from Australia, Japan and New Zealand carrying food, water, medical supplies and telecommunications equipment landed in Tonga over the weekend, as the Pacific nation grapples with the aftermath of an underwater volcanic eruption and tsunami.
Police: Nurse in Italy caught faking shots, ditching vaccine
Read full article: Police: Nurse in Italy caught faking shots, ditching vaccinePolice in Italy have arrested a nurse on charges he faked giving coronavirus vaccinations to at least 45 people so they could get a health pass without actually getting the shot.
Red Cross warns that coronavirus cases are exploding in Asia
Read full article: Red Cross warns that coronavirus cases are exploding in AsiaThe International Federation of the Red Cross says coronavirus cases are exploding in Asia with over 5.9 million new confirmed infections over the past two weeks.
Junior League of Roanoke Valley partners with Red Cross for blood drive
Read full article: Junior League of Roanoke Valley partners with Red Cross for blood driveROANOKE, Va. – Dozens of people spent their Saturday donating blood to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. The Junior League of Roanoke Valley partnered with the Red Cross of Southwest Virginia for its annual blood drive. The event is especially significant this year because many annual blood drives have been canceled, including all of the Red Cross’s mobile blood drives. Donors such as Mike Hill said the pandemic offered even more inspiration to give blood. “A lot of people have been going through a rough time,” said Hill.
Junior League of Roanoke Valley and Red Cross partnering for blood drive
Read full article: Junior League of Roanoke Valley and Red Cross partnering for blood driveROANOKE, Va. – The Red Cross has a crucial need for blood donations during the COVID-19 pandemic and a Roanoke service organization is doing what it can to fill the gap. Junior League of the Roanoke Valley is partnering with the Red Cross of Southwest Virginia for a blood drive at the latter’s Church Avenue headquarters on Saturday. In addition to donating blood, the Red Cross can also test blood for COVID-19 antibodies, which indicate if the donor has contracted COVID-19. Junior League Executive Vice President-elect Jessie Coffman hopes people jump at the chance to be selfless with their health. “My mom is a nurse and my husband had several lung transfusions as a child, so I understand the need,” Coffman said.
Greece: Thousands spend night outdoors after powerful quake
Read full article: Greece: Thousands spend night outdoors after powerful quakeRed Cross distribute food to local residents after an earthquake in Damasi village, central Greece, Wednesday, March 3, 2021. An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of at least 6.0 struck central Greece Wednesday and was also felt in neighboring Albania and North Macedonia, and as far as Kosovo and Montenegro. (AP Photo/Vaggelis Kousioras)ATHENS – Fearful of returning to their homes, thousands of people in central Greece were spending the night outdoors late Wednesday after a powerful earthquake, felt across the region, damaged homes and public buildings. The shallow, magnitude-6.0 quake struck near the central city of Larissa. Ad___ Elena Becatoros and Theodora Tongas in Athens, Llazar Semini in Tirana, Albania, and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey contributed.
Blood drives begin across Southwest Virginia
Read full article: Blood drives begin across Southwest VirginiaROANOKE, Va – The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations to help fulfill an increase in need caused by the pandemic. Winter months and flu season are typically the busiest time of year for the Red Cross and that need has only gotten higher as the pandemic goes on. Staff members with the American Red Cross said a small blood donation could save another person’s life. There are several blood drives set to happen in our area in the coming weeks. Upcoming blood donation opportunities (Feb. 2-15)Bedford CountyBedford2/8/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bedford County Gym, 1059 Turning Point RdMoneta2/4/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., YMCA Smith Mountain Lake, 293 First Watch DriveAdBotetourt CountyDaleville2/11/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Botetourt Family YMCA, 115 Shenandoah AvenueFincastle2/2/2021: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Fincastle Baptist Church, 7330.
Red Cross in need of blood donors amid COVID pandemic
Read full article: Red Cross in need of blood donors amid COVID pandemicROANOKE, Va – The American Red Cross is asking for blood to help fulfill an increase in need caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Winter months and flu season are typically the busiest time of year for the organization and that need has on grown as the pandemic continues. There are several blood drives set to happen in our area in the coming weeks. Upcoming blood donation opportunities (Feb. 1-15)Bedford CountyBedford2/8/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bedford County Gym, 1059 Turning Point RdMoneta2/4/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., YMCA Smith Mountain Lake, 293 First Watch DriveBotetourt CountyDaleville2/11/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Botetourt Family YMCA, 115 Shenandoah AvenueFincastle2/2/2021: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Fincastle Baptist Church, 7330. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
Belgium fears ICU beds could reach capacity next month
Read full article: Belgium fears ICU beds could reach capacity next monthFILE - In this Thursday, April 23, 2020 file photo, nurses cheer as a patient who had COVID-19 leaves the intensive care ward at the MontLegia CHC hospital in Liege, Belgium. Belgium's intensive care units will hit capacity by mid-November if new coronavirus cases continue to soar at the same pace, according to the country's health authorities. File)BRUSSELS – Belgium’s intensive care units will hit capacity by mid-November if new coronavirus cases continue to soar at the same pace, the country’s health authorities warned Wednesday. The latest COVID-19 figures published Wednesday by the national institute of public health show that Belgium has seen 7,360 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours. Van Laethem said the country is currently the second-worst in Europe in terms of new coronavirus infections, behind the Czech Republic.
Local Red Cross chapter continues disaster response during pandemic
Read full article: Local Red Cross chapter continues disaster response during pandemicROANOKE, Va. – As the Gulf Coast braces for Hurricane Sally, the Red Cross is preparing to help. Volunteers from the Southwest Virginia chapter have provided assistance after disasters for years, but that response looks different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive director Jackie Grant said they’re still sending people to affected areas for relief, but now they’re working with FEMA and the CDC to make sure they also protect people from the pandemic. “Some of these more serious disasters like Laura and impending Sally and the wildfires out in the west, we’re having to open emergency shelters but again having all those safety precautions in place,” Grant said. Click here to find out how you can support the Red Cross.
Galax family of five evacuated during overnight water rescue
Read full article: Galax family of five evacuated during overnight water rescueGALAX, Va. – A family of five has been evacuated during a water rescue in Galax overnight, according to the Galax Fire Department. When units arrived, they say they found a home completely surrounded by water on Delhart Road. Authorities say the family of five was evacuated to dry ground by a Galax Fire Department boat crew before the call became an emergency. They were reportedly put up in a hotel by the Red Cross. The power was disconnected from a second home in the area due to a flooded basement.
Electrical short sparks house fire in Danville
Read full article: Electrical short sparks house fire in DanvilleDANVILLE, Va. – The Red Cross is assisting a Danville family after a Wednesday afternoon house fire. Smoke could be seen coming from the house. The kitchen sustained moderate damage while the rest of the house sustained minor heat and smoke damage according to a news release from the fire department. An electrical outlet shorted out and caught a baseboard on fire. The fire spread to cabinets near the stove and “out into the kitchen” the news release said.
Hero: Local first responder risks his life to save drowning boy
Read full article: Hero: Local first responder risks his life to save drowning boyBeing a hero doesn't just come with the job for first responders - it's a way of life. That’s why the Red Cross is honoring Lt. Stephen Curry as part of its annual Celebration of Heroes breakfast. Curry and his wife were sitting on the beach one morning with their two daughters. Curry kept fighting. Curry risked his life to save another and that is heroic.
‘It was like God orchestrated everything’: Local firefighter honored for lifesaving action in church
Read full article: ‘It was like God orchestrated everything’: Local firefighter honored for lifesaving action in churchBut one Roanoke City firefighter was at the right place at the right time on a Sunday morning. Kenny Barton will receive the Firefighter hero award at the annual Celebration of Heroes breakfast. When the call for help comes in, Barton jumps in the fire truck and is ready to go. One Sunday morning in January at Lakeside Baptist Church, Barton walked in late to find someone sitting in his normal seat. It was like God orchestrated everything, so I was thankful for everything and how it happened,” Litton said.
Here's how you can help California's wildfire victims
Read full article: Here's how you can help California's wildfire victimsSAN FRANCISCO - California's wildfires have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes as firefighters battle historically dire conditions. While families scramble to find shelter, several funds have been set up to help evacuees deal with the anticipated damage they'll face when they return to their homes and businesses. The United Way of the Wine Country set up the Kincade Fire Emergency Relief and Recovery Fund to help victims both in the short and long-term. The Red Cross has opened multiple shelters while the Salvation Army is providing meals, emotional and spiritual support to evacuees. The Red Cross also has a "Safe and Well List" to mark yourself safe or check on loved ones.
Red Cross ready to help those affected by the earthquake
Read full article: Red Cross ready to help those affected by the earthquakeCNN image(KERO) - Ridgecrest, CA -- The Red Cross has an emergency shelter open at the Kerr McGee that has a capacity of 500. Right now the Red Cross says there are 129 people there with supplies coming from Los Angeles and Kern Counties to help. That shelter plans on staying open as long as it's needed so if you know anyone in the Ridgecrest area that needs a place to go send them to 100 West California Avenue in Ridgecrest. Russ Huge with the Red Cross explains on the Red Cross helps the community and how people can help those affected by the earthquake. The-CNN-Wire & 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company.
Red Cross honors heroes with annual breakfast
Read full article: Red Cross honors heroes with annual breakfastROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The Red Cross held an awards ceremony Tuesday to honor southwest Virginians who have made a significant difference in their community. WSLS 10 helped highlight each Red Cross Hero during the month of March and anchor Lindsey Ward hosted Tuesday's event as each took the stage to accept the honors. For the first year, the Red Cross Celebration of Heroes welcomed a keynote speaker to the event. "There was this theme that ran through the entire event this year and that was like creating hope. There was this idea I think of people drawing their hope from their faith, finding the strength and the courage to do some pretty amazing things," Lee Clark, Red Cross CEO said.