April 4, 2006

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Another series of powerful storms and tornados swept through eastern
and central Missouri and western Tennessee this past weekend, adding to
what has already been a disastrous spring for the middle of the
country.

The destruction was worst in fifteen counties of western Tennessee
where at least 23 have been confirmed dead and 75 injured, including 17
critically. In Dyer County, an estimated 150 homes were damaged as a
tornado cut a ten-mile path. In Gibson County, forty people were
hospitalized, 4000 homes lost power, and nearly 2000 homes and
businesses were damaged. Undamaged churches in several counties became
shelters for those displaced by the storm while a church in Carroll
County was completely destroyed. TEMA Director, Gen. Jim Bassham, flew
over the area on Monday to survey the damage and will request an
emergency declaration.

In Missouri, thousands of homes in St. Louis and St. Charles counties
were left without power for a full day. The storms caused damage to
homes throughout these counties, and it is reported that at least 8
homes in southeastern Dunklin County were completely destroyed. The
storm has been blamed for at least five deaths in the area, including
one just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis in Fairview
Heights, Illinois. It is estimated that as many as 1500 families have
been displaced from the town of Caruthersville in southeast Missouri,
which accounts for 50-60% of the population.

Southern and central Illinois, still in the recovery process from
severe storms and tornados that hit the area only three weeks ago, had
around 250,000 homes without power. Most of the damage in Illinois was
concentrated in Christian, Wayne, and St. Clair Counties.

With these most recent storms, Lutheran Disaster Response and our
affiliates are taking part in initial damage assessments and awaiting
direction from FEMA and local VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disaster) organizations. In central Illinois, affected by severe storms
and tornados in mid-March, volunteer chainsaw crews have been busy
cleaning up the area, and spontaneous volunteers have been very active
as neighbors help one another to get back on their feet. Of particular
importance, Sangamon County has received a federal emergency declaration
for individual assistance, and two disaster recovery centers have been
established for those eligible for help.

Lutheran Disaster Response is not considered a first-responder to
disasters. However, it is vital for our organization, through our
network of affiliate agencies and local coordinators, to be in
conversation with those who are considered first-responders, right from
the start. In addition, our Lutheran congregations, as integral members
of the community, often provide vital relief to those displaced from
their homes.


My prayer this day:
God of justice,
God whose love is strong as death,
God who saw the dark of prison,
God who knew the price of faith:
Touch our world
With your Spirit's healing breath.

Written in 1981 for Amnesty International
Shirley Erena Murray

In service,

Heather Feltman
Executive Director, Lutheran Disaster Response
Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response