The American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri is collecting donations to aid in relief efforts in the Carolinas after flooding caused extensive damage to the region.

An envelope drop can be found in Saturday’s News-Press. Donations can also be made at the Northwest Missouri office located at 401 N. 12th St. or by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

As of Friday morning the Northwest Missouri office had deployed two area volunteer to aid in relief efforts in the Carolinas.

The Red Cross said although the bulk of historic rain has ended in the Carolinas, high waters are still a very dangerous reality. Central and eastern parts of South Carolina experienced the worst flooding, with rainfall totals generally ranging between one and two feet – the equivalent of several months of rain in a few days. In Columbia, the water system is operational, however, water main breaks continue to cause low water pressure to the area. Boil-water advisory remains in effect. Major flooding continues on portions of the Edisto, Black and Waccamaw Rivers in South Carolina, and coastal flood advisories remain in effect at some locations from North Carolina to Florida.

Additional rains are expected this weekend, and new evacuations are underway in some neighborhoods as officials monitor the situation.

As flood waters begin to recede in some areas, the American Red Cross continues its massive relief operation in South Carolina – making sure people have shelter, food and a shoulder to lean on.

“The Red Cross is there, and we’re there for the long haul,” said Rebecca Jordan, executive director of the Red Cross of Central South Carolina. “It (the flood) is impacting more communities, and we want to be there with a safety net to catch them and help them through it – not only today and tomorrow but in the months to come.”