LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Record-setting rain from Tropical Storm Debby has taken lives and even prompted lots of rescues in the southeastern United States.
Now, some Arkansans have stepped in to help with the relief.
As the downpour continues in the southeast, volunteers from all over the country have been jumping in to help with disaster response— including Kathy and Danny Bates from Hot Springs.
They've volunteered with the Red Cross for three years and on Sunday, they left to help storm victims. They're currently stationed in Augusta, Georgia, and are waiting to be sent to the most impacted areas.
"There are two locations. They have one here in Georgia and one in South Carolina. I think we have six shelters set up in South Carolina, and six or seven set up here are getting set up here in Georgia," Kathy Bates explained.
Bates said this is their first time helping with a tropical storm, but they do have previous experience helping with natural disasters.
"We have done tornadoes, floods. I think that's going to be the biggest problem is the flooding," she added.
Now she's hoping the rain lets up quicker than forecasters expect, but she has rain gear on hand in case it sticks around.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Debby is expected to roam around the South Carolina Coast over the next couple of days.
This poses a serious flood threat over portions of the southeast.
As they get their van checked and ready to go, she explained how she's looking forward to helping those in need.
"I enjoy it. We get to meet a lot of people, and just being able to help," she said.
She also said the rewarding experiences and relationships she's made are what have kept her coming back to help out time and time again.
"If you would like to volunteer, there are many positions that are needed, and they run the full range," Bates added.
For more information on how to volunteer with the Red Cross, you can call 1-800 RED CROSS or click here.
