ELCA NEWS SERVICE
May 7, 2008
Lutherans Assess Damage in Arkansas from Tornadoes, Spring Storms
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is
assessing damage left behind by tornadoes and severe storms that
swept across Arkansas May 5. Seven people died and more than
400 homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and churches were
damaged or destroyed in the most recent storms.
"This spring numerous communities in many states have been
impacted by severe storms. Arkansas has been particularly
affected by storms including devastating tornadoes. We pray for
the families and communities in areas affected by storms. LDR
coordinators continue to assess how we can best meet the long-
term recovery needs in these communities," said the Rev. Kevin A.
Massey, LDR acting director.
Local Lutheran leaders and disaster response partners are
collecting information about the situation, particularly the
needs of communities, according to John Centamore, an LDR
coordinator, Bayou LaBatre, Ala. Lutheran Family and Children
Services of Missouri, St. Louis, an affiliate of LDR, is
organizing disaster response work in Arkansas.
"Between Jan. 4 and May 5 residents of Arkansas have seen
enough weather-related disasters to last a lifetime," said
Centamore. The governor has declared more than 70 counties of
Arkansas disaster sites.
Tornadoes in January and February created "a trail of
destruction, leaving 13 residents dead. Hundreds of homes and
businesses in Baxter, Conway, Izard, Pope and Van Buren counties
were damaged or destroyed," he said. Weeks later, rain led to
"massive and sustained flooding in many of those counties.
Exacerbated by snow melt, rivers across the state, including the
White and Black Rivers, forced thousands of people to leave their
homes. Many of those displaced indicated they had no ability to
rebuild."
Faith-based organizations like LDR and Lutheran social
service agencies and many others "have stepped in to fill the
voids that the government cannot fill," said Centamore. He said
LDR and other faith-based organizations, particularly those that
belong to the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD),
have "come together to assess the situation on the ground and
develop plans to address the long-term needs" of people.
VOAD is working to address housing needs for families, as
well as storage. "Storage is gravely needed for tornado
survivors whose homes have been destroyed. They are picking
their possessions out of the rubble but have no way to protect
their belongings," Centamore said.
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DOMESTIC DISASTERS
Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds to aid
survivors of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto
Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:
ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago,
Illinois 60694-1764
Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522
Credit card gifts via Internet: http://www.ELCA.org/disaster
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
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