As Milton makes landfall, Red Cross volunteers ramp up relief efforts

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The American Red Cross of Eastern New York in Albany has sent volunteers to assess the damages in Southern Florida after Hurricane Milton made landfall at around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. It's been over a week since Hurricane Helene ravaged Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

The interim CEO for the American Red Cross of Eastern New York, Kate Qualters, said the number of volunteers aiding those down south has increased.

"We have over 3,000 volunteers right now on the ground in Florida, and by the end of the weekend we know we will have at least 4,000 people," Qualters said.

Qualters also said the amount of people evacuating into shelters in Florida has doubled Thursday morning.

"It has jumped to 75,000, so we know across 278 shelters," Qualters said. "We today are going to expect thousands of more people as they are rescued and there brought in."

There have also been nearly 700 pets taken into shelters. Qualters said the Red Cross is working with feeding partners to feed both the people who have taken emergency shelter and the pets.

The Red Cross emphasizes that the two biggest things people in the Capital Region can do to help recovery and relief efforts are to donate money and give blood.

"That is the most impactful way you can make a difference," Qualters said. "You can also donate blood. Helene, shut down 100 blood drives, and that equates to 2500 units of blood."

To donate or find out more on how to support those in need, visit the Red Cross website.