DAPHNE, Ala. — Once again the American Red Cross has been called into the aftermath of disaster. Recent tornadoes across several states have devastated entire communities, and the Red Cross is sending volunteers, supplies and other resources into those areas hardest hit, including parts of Alabama.

The nonprofit agency launched a large relief operation across 11 states to help people affected by the tornado outbreak in the South and Midwest. Weather experts reported as many as 95 confirmed tornadoes touched down, destroying communities from the Great Lakes to the Southeast.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by these severe storms,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services. “Our top priorities right now are making sure people have a safe place to stay, a warm meal and a shoulder to lean on as they begin to clean up their neighborhoods. The Red Cross is also working closely with our government and community partners to make sure everyone gets the help they need.”

As of late Friday, the organization had opened or supported 22 shelters in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Alabama, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Trained Red Cross disaster workers mobilized to begin feeding operations and distribution of relief supplies.

Red Cross health services and mental health workers are out in neighborhoods to help people cope with what they’ve seen and experienced. Damage assessment teams will soon be in place to help the Red Cross and its partners discover the full scope of the damage.

In a statement issued Saturday, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said, “Daylight has revealed the extent of the damage in several communities that were in the paths of storms that moved through Alabama Friday night. This is in addition to the damage left behind by storms earlier in the day on Friday. Our emergency managers and first responders are in several communities assessing damage and responding to needs. Across the state, we will use every resource we have available to provide assistance. Recovering from another round of storms will be a long-term process. That process is always difficult. But I have seen the determination of our people, and we will rebuild and recover together. Our prayers are with every person who has been affected.”

Pausing to reflect on the tragedy felt in other parts of the country, Bentley continued, saying, “I want the people of Indiana, Kentucky and other states that were impacted to know that our prayers are also with them following these storms. The people of Alabama can identify with you and stand with you during this difficult time.”

At the request of the states, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed additional teams to identify damage in impacted counties, and will help the states’ governors determine if additional federal support will be requested.

The Red Cross needs support at both the local and national level, and federal officials are confident residents not impacted will step up and make a difference.

“The compassion and generosity of the American people is never more evident than after a disaster. We recognize that individuals and organizations will want to do what they can to help those affected by these devastating storms,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We encourage those who are interested in helping, to do so by supporting the voluntary agencies that are providing disaster relief in affected areas.”

Cash donations are preferred. Those financial contributions will enable the Red Cross to fund response and recovery efforts quickly and provide goods and services that disaster survivors need.

With such a widespread response, the American Red Cross and its local chapter based in Mobile are in need of donations so they can help others. There are several ways to lend a hand.

Visit www.redcross.org, or call 800-RED CROSS. You may also text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Financial contributions may also be sent to American Red Cross, Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter, P.O. Box 1764, Mobile, AL 36633. For more information, call 544-6100.