Emergency Disaster Services Teams Assist After Destructive Tornadoes in the Midwest
More than 960 tornadoes have been reported in the United States this year, according to the National Weather Service. That’s far above average. And the month of May has been especially busy, with 500 tornadoes reported in 30 days.
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams are coming to the aid of those in need in the aftermath of destructive tornadoes across the Midwest.
Parts of Ohio, Indiana, Kansas and Missouri are picking up the pieces left behind by powerful storms, while communities in Oklahoma are dealing with catastrophic flooding.
EDS teams are feeding first responders and handing out bottled water in Lawrence, Kansas after an EF-4 tornado touched down in Douglas County.
Additional volunteers and staff are standing by to offer assistance in Linwood, Kansas and Mound City, Missouri.
“We will be there to help people recover and rebuild until every community that was impacted by Tuesday night’s storms feels whole again,” said Major David Harvey, commander of the Kansas and Western Missouri Division.
In Ohio, the Dayton Kroc Center is serving as a central feeding hub for the response efforts after powerful tornadoes tore through the area.
Four feeding canteens have been mobilized, and three additional units are on standby. Emotional and Spiritual Care personnel are stationed at each of the canteens.
The Salvation Army Indiana Division activated two EDS teams in Madison County in response to a tornado that swept through Pendleton and Huntsville on Memorial Day.
Two fully stocked canteens are deployed, distributing water, Gatorade, snacks and sack lunches and dinners to residents, first responders, utility crews, and hundreds of volunteers who are assisting with clean up.
The canteens are visiting hard-hit neighborhoods to bring food and hydration to homeowners.
Judith, a resident of Huntsville, offered perspective. “We were lucky. I just lost my kitchen and some old trees,” she said, pointing to where her extended family was cutting up several fallen trees in the yard. “Up the road they lost so much more, but no one got hurt. It was really a miracle.”
Major Mike Wolfe from the Anderson Salvation Army has been assisting at a shelter set up by the Madison County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) at Pendleton Heights High School.
The Tulsa Metropolitan Salvation Army has been involved in relief efforts amid the catastrophic flooding in northeast Oklahoma.
EDS teams are providing meals and hydration to residents in Sand Springs, and evacuees sheltering in Tulsa. They also provided emotional and spiritual care by praying with evacuees, and offering words of hope and encouragement.
“Helping out neighbors in need is in the DNA of Green County residents and The Salvation Army,” said Major Mark Harwell, the area commander. “Sharing hope with those going through life’s most adverse circumstances is The Salvation Army’s chief mission during times like these.”
How to help:
Online: helpsalvationarmy.org
Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
Mail checks to: The Salvation Army, P.O. BOX 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301
Please designate area of need on all checks (ex: Indiana tornado, etc.)
You can now use ALEXA to donate to The Salvation Army relief efforts. It’s easy! Just say, “Hey Alexa, make a donation to The Salvation Army!”
To support The Salvation Army’s relief efforts, visit HelpSalvationArmy.org. For updates on The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster response efforts, visit Disaster.SalvationArmyUSA.org.