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Direct Relief Mobilizes Ahead of Typhoon-Fueled Storm Expected to Impact California

The storm is expected to increase the risk of flooding, debris flows in wildfire burn areas, and power outages. Direct Relief is in communication with organizations across the state and is ready to offer medical support if needed.

News

Extreme Weather

Direct Relief staff helped community members load up sand bags to prevent flooding during a past storm in Santa Barbara County, California. The state is again bracing for a storm that could bring flooding and debris flows to some areas. (Direct Relief photo)
By Brea Burkholz

As California braces for a powerful storm strengthened by remnants of Typhoon Halong and Tropical Storm Priscilla, Direct Relief is mobilizing in preparation for severe weather expected to affect much of the state this week. Forecasts indicate that the system, energized by tropical moisture and jet stream from the typhoon, could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and mountain snow this week. The storm is expected to increase the risk of flooding, debris flows in wildfire burn areas, and power outages across the state.

Based in California since 1948, Direct Relief has a long track record of responding to natural disasters across the state — from wildfires and debris flows to earthquakes and atmospheric river storms. Ahead of this week’s storm, the organization is coordinating with local and state partners, monitoring conditions in high-risk areas, and preparing emergency medical supplies for rapid deployment.

Health Implications of Flooding and Displacement

Severe storms often trigger cascading health effects that continue long after the immediate impact. Extended power outages can prevent people from safely storing temperature-sensitive medications, such as insulin, and disrupt access to electricity-powered medical equipment. Flooding can force residents to evacuate their homes, disrupting access to health care and increasing the risk of injury, stress, and chronic disease complications. By mobilizing early with local health centers, free clinics, and other community organizations, Direct Relief aims to help ensure that people who rely on ongoing medical care do not face additional risk.

“When extreme weather strikes, the most serious health consequences often come from disruptions to daily care — not just the storm itself,” said Staci Richard, California Emergency Response Manager for Direct Relief. “Our priority is to make sure essential medications and supplies are positioned in the community where they can be accessed quickly and safely.”

Supporting California’s Search and Rescue Teams

Direct Relief also continues to strengthen California’s ability to respond to emergencies through its Search and Rescue Fund, established in 2023 following a series of catastrophic winter storms across the state. The fund was created to bolster the operational capacity of the state’s 7,500 volunteer search and rescue, or SAR, members, who often cover the cost of their own gear, training, and equipment while serving as the first line of response during floods, debris flows, and other emergencies.

Since its inception, the Search and Rescue Fund has provided more than $1.1 million in direct support to volunteer teams statewide. That includes more than $600,000 in 2023 for Santa Barbara County SAR and other local teams responding to flooding, and over $500,000 in 2024 through a statewide grant round supporting 19 volunteer SAR teams across 38 counties in California.

“Search and rescue volunteers play an essential role in protecting people during floods, debris flows, and other disasters,” said Richard. “By supporting these dedicated teams, Direct Relief helps ensure Californians can be reached when they’re in greatest need.”

Strengthening Energy Resilience Across California

In addition to mobilizing essential medicines and supplies, Direct Relief continues to invest in long-term energy resilience to help communities withstand future disasters and power disruptions. Direct Relief has equipped 21 healthcare sites across California with resilient backup power systems, ensuring that critical services, refrigeration for medicines, and communications remain operational during grid outages.

These systems support:

  • 14 Federally Qualified Health Center organizations operating 16 sites
  • Two Planned Parenthood health centers (Santa Barbara and Ventura)
  • One free and charitable clinic (Free Clinic of Simi Valley)
  • Two additional community sites equipped with standalone battery systems (Bearskin Meadow Camp and Laguna Beach Community Clinic)

From Mendocino County to Los Angeles, these resilient power systems provide a lifeline during extended outages and disasters, enabling trusted community healthcare providers to remain open and serve people when access to care is most critical.

As the typhoon- and tropical storm-fueled storm approaches, Direct Relief remains in close contact with local and state emergency managers and community partners statewide and stands ready to provide aid wherever it is needed most.

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