Tornadoes in Missouri and Oklahoma, Flooding in Upper Midwest

May 27, 2011

At least 132 people are dead after a massive tornado tore through the town of Joplin, Missouri, on May 22. The storm caused severe property damage, destroying homes and businesses, and disabling one of the major hospitals in town. Electricity and phone services were cut off, and many roads remain impassable due to downed trees and piles of debris. The path of the tornado is reported to have been at least half a mile wide and four miles long, and rescue crews are still working to locate survivors who may be trapped in the wreckage.

Episcopal Relief & Development has been in contact with the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri, and is providing assistance in the aftermath of this disaster.  Funds will be used to provide food, gas cards and temporary shelter for those in need.

Episcopal Relief & Development has also reached out to the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma following a wave of tornadoes that swept through the area on May 24, killing 10 people, and to the dioceses of North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana as melting snow and overwhelmed river systems have caused widespread flooding.

Please pray for all those impacted by disaster, especially families who are grieving, and for the rescue workers and all those who are helping communities recover.

To support disaster response in communities around the US, please donate to the USA Disaster Response Fund.