As the extent of damage from Hurricane Helene continues to unfold across the southeastern United States, the IDEX Foundation has approved a $50,000 USD donation to the American Red Cross.
Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic storm surge damage beginning in the “Big Bend” area of Florida’s Gulf Coast. But most surprising may be the devasting flood damage experienced in the mountain towns of western North Carolina, where many locations received well in excess of one foot (30 cm) of rain late last week.
In some instances, rushing river
floodwaters washed away significant portions of small towns. Other communities remain cut off without electricity, communications service, or fresh water. As of Wednesday evening (October 2), at least 180 people in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia were confirmed dead. That number is expected to rise as rescuers reach isolated communities.
Many IDEX colleagues at the HURST Jaws of Life® have friends and family in mountain communities west of the manufacturing facility in Shelby, North Carolina.
“Fortunately, most of our team members and immediate families are well and unharmed from Hurricane Helene,” HURST Site Leader Steve Daino said. “Unfortunately, many are still without power and dealing with property damage, fallen trees, debris, and flood impacts. Some also have extended family and friends in nearby more severely impacted areas that are still isolated and in need of necessities.”
“Despite the adverse impacts to our team, the resilience and desire to help those still in need through donations and volunteer efforts is inspiring. The help and assistance from the IDEX community is greatly appreciated by all impacted,” he said.
While the IDEX Foundation generally supports employees participating in local volunteerism, the charitable arm of IDEX also has a long history of providing relief funding when natural disasters impact communities close to the hearts of our people. Whether hurricanes, floods, wildfires or earthquakes, the IDEX Foundation has provided support for one-the-ground relief.
“I am deeply grateful that we have the opportunity to extend our support to those affected by Hurricane Helene,” IDEX Foundation President Krishna Ranganathan said. “It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation, but I’m incredibly proud that the IDEX Foundation can step in and provide financial assistance to help these communities begin to rebuild. Our hearts are with everyone impacted, and we are committed to standing by them during this challenging time.”