Tornadoes Devastate the South; Aid Groups Deploy
Tornadoes have hit areas all over the South this past week, killing and injuring many people in its path as well as destroying local businesses and houses.
Areas affected include Enterprise, Ala., where eight high school students died after a recent strike; Linn County, Kan., where a tornado touched down and killed a 7-year-old girl; Georgia, where a twister Thursday claimed at least nine deaths; and Dumas, Ark., which was crushed by an F3 tornado last Saturday, resulting in no deaths but destroying 43 houses and 40 mobile homes.
Over a thousand workers have lost their jobs do the resulting damage, devastating many of the surrounding businesses.
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Christian and non-Christian relief groups have deployed much aid since the start of the storms, handing out thousands of meals to those hurt by the disasters.
“Our hearts go out to those affected by the recent flurry of tornadoes,” explained Major John Jones, who oversees The Salvation Army’s work in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, in a statement. “The Salvation Army has responded to each of the areas and will provide whatever relief we can to those who have been touched by this disaster.”
President George W. Bush also hurried to the destruction in Enterprise, Ala., in an attempt to offer some peace among the grieving.
"Our thoughts go out to the students who perished,” he said while also thanking God for the hundreds who lived.
“We can never replace lives, and we can't heal hearts, except through prayer,” the president added. “And I know – I want the students to know, and the families to know that there's a lot of people praying for them.”
At the Enterprise Municipal Airport, Bush also spoke about the healing that can come from God.
"This storm was a tough storm. It went eight miles and affected a lot of lives," he said, according to The Associated Press. "This country is a prayerful country. There are a lot of people praying for you."
Relief networks such as the Salvation Army and the Red Cross will continue offering aid until the disaster has been resolved. They are also prepared to act should anything new arise.
In response to the Alabama twister, Bill Feist, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army, commented in a statement, “We are in communication with Emergency operations centers across Alabama, offering our assistance to areas affected by the storms. Additionally, The Salvation Army in Montgomery is prepared to respond to the area if called upon.”
Relief agencies are accepting monetary donations to help fund the support efforts. Supporters can donate to them on their respective websites.
