The Associated Press

(ClipSyndicate)

DALLAS — American Red Cross officials say the Hurricane Ike evacuee count in their Texas shelters is down to about 7,600 from a peak of more than 40,000.

But the relief agency said Monday it isn't sure how long Texas operations will last.

Fundraising will be a "daunting task," said Joe Becker, senior vice president of disaster services for the Red Cross. The combined costs of relief efforts for Ike and its Gulf Coast predecessor, Hurricane Gustav, could top $100 million.

Becker says the agency has raised less than $20 million for 2008 hurricane relief.