RED CROSS

The Red Cross says it has registered “hundreds” of Ukrainians POWs who have left the giant Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol after holding out in a weeks-long standoff with besieging Russian forces.

Ukraine wants to exchange them for Russian prisoners of war, but some in Russia want them put on trial.

But Kyiv refuses to say how many soldiers are still trapped, saying such information is "sensitive".

Ukraine says 264 fighters - some badly wounded - have been taken from the Azovstal steelworks.

Fighters of the Azov Regiment, the Ukrainian unit holed up in the besieged Azovstal steel mill in the devastated port city of Mariupol, have released photos of their wounded comrades in arms who they say are in the plant, along with an appeal to the United Nations and Red Cross to arrange for their evacuation

More bodies have been pulled from the ruins of a luxury hotel in Cuba’s capital, bringing the official death toll from a powerful explosion at the iconic building to 40.

Any deal would depend on President Putin pulling forces back to pre-invasion positions, he says.

The Red Cross has said that a plane carrying Yemeni prisoners has arrived in the southern city of Aden as part of truce deal between the warring parties

Ukraine's military says Russian troops are now inside the plant — the last stronghold of the city's defenders.

Ukraine's military says Russian troops are now inside the plant — the last stronghold of the city's defenders.

President Putin agreed "in principle" to the U.N. and Red Cross evacuating civilians after he met U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres

Not much is untouched by COVID-19, and the nation’s blood supply is no exception.

The American Red Cross acknowledges heroes who serve around the Southwest chapter every year.

About 2,000 people made it out of Mariupol on Friday, city officials said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Ukrainians to remain vigilant and to distrust Russian promises about scaling down attacks in Kyiv.

A convoy of 45 buses is heading for the besieged city in the latest attempt to rescue trapped civilians.

The government of Nicaragua has expelled the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross

Ukrainian officials say Russian forces hijacked an aid convoy bound for Mariupol, scene of the worst humanitarian crisis of the nearly monthlong war.

A top Red Cross official says the ongoing Russian war on Ukraine has become “nothing short of a nightmare” for those living in besieged cities

Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and key supply routes — as well as the sheer scale of the humanitarian needs — are hindering the ability of international organizations to deliver aid.

The world must not shift its attention from the plight of those living through the yearslong war in Yemen

The world must not lose sight of the plight of those living through the yearslong war in Yemen.

The following is a transcript of an interview with Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, that aired Sunday, March 6, 2022, on "Face the Nation."

Three organizations with operations in California are helping people in eastern Ukraine, and so is the Red Cross. Here's how you can contribute.

Donating blood is a great way to give back, but a large group hasn’t been able to do so for decades until recently.

You hear it often: There’s a need for blood donors -- but there’s apparently a particular need for the Black community to step up and donate.

Two Japanese aircraft have left Australia to deliver more vital aid to Tonga as the Pacific nation deals with the aftermath of a volcanic eruption and tsunami

Aid flights from Australia, Japan and New Zealand carrying food, water, medical supplies and telecommunications equipment landed in Tonga over the weekend, as the Pacific nation grapples with the aftermath of an underwater volcanic eruption and tsunami.

The attack targeted a contractor in Switzerland that was storing the data. The Red Cross has been forced to halt a program that reunites families torn apart by violence, migration or other tragedies.

Videos captured by Tongan geologists show a huge ash cloud rising over the island nation during a powerful volcanic eruption that caused a tsunami in the Pacific.

People are being advised to remain indoors to escape the dangerous smog.

The blood shortage in the U.S. is now being called a “crisis,” marking a dangerous first for the country.

The nation's blood supply is dangerously low, prompting the Red Cross to announce a national blood crisis​ for the first time.

Police in Italy have arrested a nurse on charges he faked giving coronavirus vaccinations to at least 45 people so they could get a health pass without actually getting the shot.

The historic shortage is forcing doctors to make tough decisions on who should get blood and who has to wait until there is more supply.

The historic shortage is forcing doctors to make tough decisions on who should get blood and who has to wait until there is more supply.

The Red Cross has declared a blood emergency due to a historically low supply, partially because of the pandemic.

Inspectors say it’s too dangerous for the family to go back inside.

At 1:09AM fire and EMS crews responded to the 600 block of Woods Ave SW.

A survivor of a crash that killed 54 speaks to the BBC about the people who did not survive.

The American Red Cross has a new set of wheels to get blood to people in need across the Roanoke Valley.

Nepalese authorities are searching for dozens of people missing in this week’s heavy rains, floods and landslides, as survivors complain they are yet to receive any government help

The escalation could strain what remains of stability in a country teetering on the brink, under the compounding strains of violence, shortages, economic meltdown, distrust of institutions and the coronavirus pandemic.

On Sunday, South Lake Tahoe’s evacuation order was downgraded, allowing around 22,000 people who had been forced to evacuate because of the Caldor Fire to return home. Nearby communities had downgraded their warnings a day earlier.

Seven years after Boko Haram extremists abducted more than 270 schoolgirls in northeast Nigeria, two of the more than 100 still being held by the rebels returned this month, renewing the hope of parents who have all but given up on the long wait for the return of their children

The poorest region in mainland France has managed to dramatically speed up its COVID-19 vaccination campaign

The poorest region in mainland France has managed to dramatically speed up its COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

The Red Cross is warning that Lithuania's decision to turn away immigrants attempting to cross in from neighboring Belarus does not comply with international law.

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Sandy Ala, a counselor working with Jewish Community Services of South Florida, who has been talking with survivors and families waiting for news in Surfside.

First lady Jill Biden will accompany President Biden during the visit to Surfside, where Champlain Towers South gave way a week ago.

Indonesia needs to urgently increase medical care, testing and vaccinations as the number of new infections in the country has rapidly increased and left it “on the edge of a COVID-19 catastrophe,” the Red Cross said Tuesday. The group said its coronavirus hospital in Bogor, outside of Jakarta, was “overflowing” and emergency tents had been set up to be able to house more patients. “We are seeing record number of infections, but every statistic is a person who is suffering, grieving or struggling to support the people they love," Sudirman Said, secretary general of Indonesian Red Cross, said in a statement.

Roundup of information on how people can help Naperville and Woodridge tornado victims, services that area available to tornado victims and advice on how tornado victims can avoid being scammed.

The Red Cross is asking for your help to save lives as part of World Blood Donor Day.

Three people were displaced after a house fire in Danville this morning, according to the Danville Fire Department.

The American Red Cross and American Cancer Society have partnered to promote blood and platelet donations nationwide in the wake of the resumption of cancer treatments as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes in the United States.

Teri Layton started volunteering with the Red Cross after a tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, in 2011.

The International Federation of the Red Cross says coronavirus cases are exploding in Asia with over 5.9 million new confirmed infections over the past two weeks.

A Colombian rebel group that has been fighting against the Venezuelan army since March, said in a letter addressed to the International Committee of the Red Cross that it has captured eight Venezuelan soldiers, and is trying to find a way to hand them over to human rights groups

A Colombian rebel group that has been fighting against the Venezuelan army since March, said in a letter addressed to the International Committee of the Red Cross that it has captured eight Venezuelan soldiers and is trying to find a way to hand them over to human rights groups. The Red Cross confirmed on Tuesday that it had received the letter, but said it cannot comment further because that would compromise its humanitarian work. In the letter – which was also published online by Fundaredes, a Venezuelan human rights organization -- the group known as the Martin Villa 10th Front said that it captured the soldiers on April 23 during a battle in Venezuela's Apure state.

Two adults and five children have been displaced after a house fire in Danville early Friday morning, according to authorities.

Thousands of people have reportedly fled across the border from Myanmar into neighboring Thailand after the bloodiest weekend the country has seen since the February 1 military coup. Activists and monitoring groups have said at least 114 civilians were killed on Saturday alone, with thousands more taken into custody. Another witness said security forces were using grenades in one Yangon neighborhood to clear street barricades set up by the demonstrators. We are horrified by the bloodshed perpetrated by Burmese security forces, showing that the junta will sacrifice the lives of the people to serve the few. "The United States strongly condemns the Burmese security forces' brutal violence against civilians.

ROANOKE, Va. – Dozens of people spent their Saturday donating blood to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. The Junior League of Roanoke Valley partnered with the Red Cross of Southwest Virginia for its annual blood drive. The event is especially significant this year because many annual blood drives have been canceled, including all of the Red Cross’s mobile blood drives. Donors such as Mike Hill said the pandemic offered even more inspiration to give blood. “A lot of people have been going through a rough time,” said Hill.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Red Cross has a crucial need for blood donations during the COVID-19 pandemic and a Roanoke service organization is doing what it can to fill the gap. Junior League of the Roanoke Valley is partnering with the Red Cross of Southwest Virginia for a blood drive at the latter’s Church Avenue headquarters on Saturday. In addition to donating blood, the Red Cross can also test blood for COVID-19 antibodies, which indicate if the donor has contracted COVID-19. Junior League Executive Vice President-elect Jessie Coffman hopes people jump at the chance to be selfless with their health. “My mom is a nurse and my husband had several lung transfusions as a child, so I understand the need,” Coffman said.

Red Cross distribute food to local residents after an earthquake in Damasi village, central Greece, Wednesday, March 3, 2021. An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of at least 6.0 struck central Greece Wednesday and was also felt in neighboring Albania and North Macedonia, and as far as Kosovo and Montenegro. (AP Photo/Vaggelis Kousioras)ATHENS – Fearful of returning to their homes, thousands of people in central Greece were spending the night outdoors late Wednesday after a powerful earthquake, felt across the region, damaged homes and public buildings. The shallow, magnitude-6.0 quake struck near the central city of Larissa. Ad___ Elena Becatoros and Theodora Tongas in Athens, Llazar Semini in Tirana, Albania, and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey contributed.

Now this is a group of brave, selfless and hardworking women.

ROANOKE, Va – The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations to help fulfill an increase in need caused by the pandemic. Winter months and flu season are typically the busiest time of year for the Red Cross and that need has only gotten higher as the pandemic goes on. Staff members with the American Red Cross said a small blood donation could save another person’s life. There are several blood drives set to happen in our area in the coming weeks. Upcoming blood donation opportunities (Feb. 2-15)Bedford CountyBedford2/8/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bedford County Gym, 1059 Turning Point RdMoneta2/4/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., YMCA Smith Mountain Lake, 293 First Watch DriveAdBotetourt CountyDaleville2/11/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Botetourt Family YMCA, 115 Shenandoah AvenueFincastle2/2/2021: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Fincastle Baptist Church, 7330.

ROANOKE, Va – The American Red Cross is asking for blood to help fulfill an increase in need caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Winter months and flu season are typically the busiest time of year for the organization and that need has on grown as the pandemic continues. There are several blood drives set to happen in our area in the coming weeks. Upcoming blood donation opportunities (Feb. 1-15)Bedford CountyBedford2/8/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bedford County Gym, 1059 Turning Point RdMoneta2/4/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., YMCA Smith Mountain Lake, 293 First Watch DriveBotetourt CountyDaleville2/11/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Botetourt Family YMCA, 115 Shenandoah AvenueFincastle2/2/2021: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Fincastle Baptist Church, 7330. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

Illinois health officials on Monday announced 8,691 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 90 additional fatalities. AdvertisementSimilar testing will occur at other prisons when an outbreak inside the facility is identified, officials said. In requesting a temporary restraining order, the FOP said that by allowing officers to become “superspreaders,” city officials were putting not only officers at risk, but also their families and residents of Chicago. The COVID-19 Resident Cash Assistance Program, announced in November, originally included $2.1 million in federal coronavirus funds to give suburban Cook County residents one-time cash payments of $600. —Karen Ann CullottaBreaking coronavirus news Stay up to date with the latest information on coronavirus with our breaking news alerts.

Though the mural will feature an image of Pedro Duarte and a few other community members who have died, most of the faces will be of people who are alive. At the center will be a phoenix holding in its mouth a serpent that morphs into a border wall and detention cages. At the top left corner, there will be a group of kindergartners playing with Legos in the shape of the city of Chicago. The mural will also include portraits of some essential workers from the neighborhood.

FILE - In this Thursday, April 23, 2020 file photo, nurses cheer as a patient who had COVID-19 leaves the intensive care ward at the MontLegia CHC hospital in Liege, Belgium. Belgium's intensive care units will hit capacity by mid-November if new coronavirus cases continue to soar at the same pace, according to the country's health authorities. File)BRUSSELS – Belgium’s intensive care units will hit capacity by mid-November if new coronavirus cases continue to soar at the same pace, the country’s health authorities warned Wednesday. The latest COVID-19 figures published Wednesday by the national institute of public health show that Belgium has seen 7,360 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours. Van Laethem said the country is currently the second-worst in Europe in terms of new coronavirus infections, behind the Czech Republic.

For those who may have been asymptomatic or don’t know if they have had COVID-19, the Red Cross now is testing blood donations for antibodies. Results typically are available in one to two weeks. Although the test is not a diagnostic one that would confirm infection or immunity, the presence of antibodies means that a person’s blood donation could be used to help COVID-19 patients.

And its vaccine has potentially consequential advantages over some competitors. It uses a technology that has a long safety record in vaccines for other diseases. Its vaccine could require just one shot instead of two — important considering that the entire population of the world needs vaccination. And it does not have to be kept frozen as it is delivered to hospitals and other places where it will be given to patients, simplifying the logistics of hundreds of millions of doses.

ROANOKE, Va. – As the Gulf Coast braces for Hurricane Sally, the Red Cross is preparing to help. Volunteers from the Southwest Virginia chapter have provided assistance after disasters for years, but that response looks different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive director Jackie Grant said they’re still sending people to affected areas for relief, but now they’re working with FEMA and the CDC to make sure they also protect people from the pandemic. “Some of these more serious disasters like Laura and impending Sally and the wildfires out in the west, we’re having to open emergency shelters but again having all those safety precautions in place,” Grant said. Click here to find out how you can support the Red Cross.

GALAX, Va. – A family of five has been evacuated during a water rescue in Galax overnight, according to the Galax Fire Department. When units arrived, they say they found a home completely surrounded by water on Delhart Road. Authorities say the family of five was evacuated to dry ground by a Galax Fire Department boat crew before the call became an emergency. They were reportedly put up in a hotel by the Red Cross. The power was disconnected from a second home in the area due to a flooded basement.

DANVILLE, Va. – The Red Cross is assisting a Danville family after a Wednesday afternoon house fire. Smoke could be seen coming from the house. The kitchen sustained moderate damage while the rest of the house sustained minor heat and smoke damage according to a news release from the fire department. An electrical outlet shorted out and caught a baseboard on fire. The fire spread to cabinets near the stove and “out into the kitchen” the news release said.

The World Health Organization has identified six criteria for countries looking to slowly lift coronavirus lockdown measures, warning the way down from the peak of the outbreak is "much slower" than the way up. A global public health crisis has meant countries around the world have effectively had to shut down, with many governments imposing draconian measures on the lives of billions of people. As of Tuesday, nearly 2 million people had contracted Covid-19 worldwide, with 119,818 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Some European countries have laid out plans to emerge from lockdown as soon as this month after enduring several weeks of stringent social and economic restrictions. The U.S., the global epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, has signaled May 1 as a potential date for easing restrictive measures.

A previous deal by the group commonly known as OPEC+ expired in March after Saudi Arabia and Russia failed to reach an agreement. The fallout sent oil prices plummeting to multi-year lows. That would put the oil market under "extreme physical pressure," they wrote in the report published before the OPEC+ meeting was postponed. Brent crude fell by around 1.7% to $33.53 a barrel, while the U.S. West Taxes Intermediate crude dipped by 2% to around $27.72 a barrel. Oil prices to stay low

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is sending 250 ambulances, about 500 EMTs and paramedics and 85 refrigerated trucks to serve as temporary mortuaries to New York City, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S., city officials said Tuesday. The city's Emergency Management System has seen medical calls surge by 50% during the pandemic over normal daily call volume. "Our EMTs and paramedics are facing an unprecedented number of medical calls each day. There has never been a busier time in the history of EMS in New York City," New York City Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said in a statement. FDNY is urging New Yorkers to only call 911 if is a true medical emergency.

Being a hero doesn't just come with the job for first responders - it's a way of life. That’s why the Red Cross is honoring Lt. Stephen Curry as part of its annual Celebration of Heroes breakfast. Curry and his wife were sitting on the beach one morning with their two daughters. Curry kept fighting. Curry risked his life to save another and that is heroic.

But one Roanoke City firefighter was at the right place at the right time on a Sunday morning. Kenny Barton will receive the Firefighter hero award at the annual Celebration of Heroes breakfast. When the call for help comes in, Barton jumps in the fire truck and is ready to go. One Sunday morning in January at Lakeside Baptist Church, Barton walked in late to find someone sitting in his normal seat. It was like God orchestrated everything, so I was thankful for everything and how it happened,” Litton said.

SAN FRANCISCO - California's wildfires have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes as firefighters battle historically dire conditions. While families scramble to find shelter, several funds have been set up to help evacuees deal with the anticipated damage they'll face when they return to their homes and businesses. The United Way of the Wine Country set up the Kincade Fire Emergency Relief and Recovery Fund to help victims both in the short and long-term. The Red Cross has opened multiple shelters while the Salvation Army is providing meals, emotional and spiritual support to evacuees. The Red Cross also has a "Safe and Well List" to mark yourself safe or check on loved ones.

CNN image(KERO) - Ridgecrest, CA -- The Red Cross has an emergency shelter open at the Kerr McGee that has a capacity of 500. Right now the Red Cross says there are 129 people there with supplies coming from Los Angeles and Kern Counties to help. That shelter plans on staying open as long as it's needed so if you know anyone in the Ridgecrest area that needs a place to go send them to 100 West California Avenue in Ridgecrest. Russ Huge with the Red Cross explains on the Red Cross helps the community and how people can help those affected by the earthquake. The-CNN-Wire & 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company.

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The Red Cross held an awards ceremony Tuesday to honor southwest Virginians who have made a significant difference in their community. WSLS 10 helped highlight each Red Cross Hero during the month of March and anchor Lindsey Ward hosted Tuesday's event as each took the stage to accept the honors. For the first year, the Red Cross Celebration of Heroes welcomed a keynote speaker to the event. "There was this theme that ran through the entire event this year and that was like creating hope. There was this idea I think of people drawing their hope from their faith, finding the strength and the courage to do some pretty amazing things," Lee Clark, Red Cross CEO said.