Norfolk, Virginia – September 5, 2008 – Just after Hurricane Harriet caused tidal surges that wiped out large portions of the Virginia coastline, Markietta, Lloyd Jr. and Simon Benson sit eagerly waiting for dinner to be served in the Red Cross shelter in Suffolk, VA. The Benson children have not eaten since breakfast, when evacuation orders spurred Lloyd Benson, Sr., to drive them to a Red Cross shelter. Lloyd, Sr., returned to his Fish River Marina just before Harriet made landfall in Norfolk to save computers, radios and valuable radar equipment he has acquired during his 25 years as proprieter there.
Now, three hours after Harriet dissipated, Lloyd has not returned. Church of the Brethren volunteers care for the children while adults return to salvage property, pick up additional loved ones and listen to news reports of storm damage on the shelter radio provided by the Red Cross.
Beth Boone, American Red Cross
Posted by amrecro 