CINCINNATI — Behind the news coverage for the Iowa tornados, the Texas floods or the wildfires out West are the very personal stories of lives disrupted or forever changed by this onslaught of natural disasters. As the initial news of these disasters fades from the headlines, the crucial work of putting homes, businesses, families and communities back together is underway.

The Red Cross currently has more than 900 disaster volunteers deployed to multiple states offering disaster relief assistance, some of whom are from the Cincinnati-Dayton Region.

“The American Red Cross is able to carry out its mission through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors,” said Stephanie Byrd, CEO of the Greater Cincinnati-Dayton Region of the American Red Cross. “During the Ohio River flooding earlier this year, Red Cross volunteers and donations came in from around the country to help us, it’s only fitting that we reach out to residents of other states in their time of need.”

In Iowa, more than 70 homes were destroyed and more than 600 damaged by last week’s tornados. The Red Cross has served more than 45,000 meals and handed out 22,000 relief items to the people reeling from this disaster.

In Texas, residents impacted by the significant June flooding have transitioned into the recovery phase. To date, the Red Cross has opened more than 1,100 cases to support the recovery of more than 4,600 people.

In California, Colorado and Oregon, more than 480 disaster volunteers are working alongside numerous partners to provide comfort and support to those affect by large wildfires.

To donate to Red Cross disaster relief, go to redcross.org or call 800-REDCROSS.