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“Atmospheric River” Deluges California as Winter Storms Impact Portions of U.S.

Direct Relief is in communication with local response agencies and is ready to respond to requests for medical aid.

News

Extreme Weather

Satellite imagery shows a large storm system moving across the U.S. West Coast on Jan. 4, 2023. (NOAA Image)
By Lara Cooper

Many California communities were inundated with rain this week, as the latest in a series of storm systems moved over the state, deluging already saturated ground and prompting flood watches in central and northern California.

Across the country, severe weather systems are also unfolding in the Carolinas, Georgia and Northern Florida, and Direct Relief also offered its medical inventory to health facilities across California and other states that may be experiencing weather-related impacts.

On Wednesday, Direct Relief staff were on hand in Montecito to assist with sandbag distribution for residents concerned with flooding. That community was devastated nearly five years ago by a deadly mudslide that killed 23 people and caused major damage to structures.

Direct Relief staff assisted with sandbags at an aid station for residents in Montecito, California, on Jan. 4, 2023. The community was impacted by a deadly mudslide nearly five years ago and was preparing for the current winter storm this week. (Brea Burkholz/Direct Relief)

Direct Relief headquarters have been located in neighboring Santa Barbara for nearly 75 years and the organization has responded to multiple disasters in the area, including the Thomas Fire, which was one of the largest fires in California history and preceded the mudslide.

Direct Relief responded to both disasters, and funded recovery efforts, including search and rescue vehicles and gear for first responders, PPE distribution for those involved in clean-up, and emergency grants for community organizations providing critical services to residents. A victim’s fund was also established for those impacted by the loss of life, who were injured, or were otherwise affected by the mudslide.

Ahead of the heavier rains expected in the coming days, the organization offered support to the California Department of Public Health, health centers and free clinics across the Bay Area, both the Santa Barbara County and City Fire Departments, as well as the Montecito Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue, Santa Barbara County Public Health, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, Santa Barbara City and County Office of Emergency Management and more.

Direct Relief will respond to medical needs as they become known.

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