Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga Donate To Louisiana After Massive Floods Devastate State
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Taylor Swift is donating $1 million to Louisiana after torrential rains caused massive flooding in the state and killed at least 11 people.
Swift told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Louisiana residents "made us feel completely at home'' when she and her touring crew kicked off the U.S. dates of her "1989 World Tour'' in the state last year.
The flooding is some of the worst in Louisiana history, damaging at least 40,000 homes. More than 60,000 people have registered for disaster aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after widespread flooding hit the state.
Swift says it is "heartbreaking'' to watch people be forced out of their homes. She's encouraging people to "help out and send your love and prayers'' to those suffering at this time.
Lady Gaga also said she's pitching in to help with flood relief efforts in Louisiana.
The entertainer tweeted early Wednesday morning that she and her family are donating to relief efforts. She says she gives "thoughts and prayers to all of our loved ones in Louisiana suffering through the flood." Gaga didn't say how much she is donating or if she plans on giving in other ways.
The Red Cross says more than 1,000 disaster volunteers have been mobilized from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to help with the Louisiana flood relief efforts.
Brad Kieserman, vice president, Disaster Services Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross, said in a news release the massive relief operation will cost at least $30 million.
Kieserman says the flooding in Louisiana is the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Superstorm Sandy.
He said the Red Cross is also seeking additional volunteers to assist in Louisiana.
At least 40,000 homes have been damaged and 11 people have been killed in the floods.
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