Michigan Red Cross volunteers provide help to Florida in aftermath of Hurricane Ian

Michigan Red Cross volunteers describe devastation after Hurricane Ian

Michigan American Red Cross volunteers who are helping in Florida after Hurricane Ian say the damage is devastating. One volunteer said it is the most difficult deployment she has been part of.

FORT MEYERS, Fla. (FOX 2) - Volunteers with the American Red Cross headed to Florida after Hurricane Ian to help those in need.

"The families that are coming in that have lost everything. It is extremely emotional," said Michigan Red Cross volunteer Patricia Nelson. "The devastation is so immense, and it has affected almost everybody. So, this is definitely the most difficult deployment ever that I’ve been on."

Read: Michigan couple heads to Florida to provide meals after Ian

Nelson is one of numerous Michigan volunteers assisting after the deadly hurricane tore through the state.

"I was in Fort Myers Beach, over 3 miles from the beach, in a trailer park, and manufactured homes had about 6 feet of water inside them," volunteer Tom Westgate said.

As rescuers continue to help, they said some residents don't want to leave home.

"We had a 90-year-old who was in a house that was flooded, and she won't leave," Westgate said.

More: Many still missing in Fort Myers following Ian

Red Cross volunteers plan to stay in Florida as long as it takes to provide assistance.

"Thank you for what you’re doing, and you’re really making a difference," said Mary Lynn Foster, the regional chief executive officer with the Red Cross.

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