CWS situation report: May 2008 U.S. tornadoes

A line of deadly thunderstorms spawned suspected tornadoes from Oklahoma to Georgia that killed at least 23 people and left hundreds injured. Gathering strength as it moved east, the storm also packed heavy rain, wind and hail.

 

The flat plains of northeast Oklahoma and southwest Missouri appear to have suffered considerable damage. Rescue crews are still searching for missing people in Seneca, Mo. while damage assessments are beginning in other areas.

 

VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES WATCH
The region between Pitcher, Okla. and Joplin, Mo. is home to heavy metal mines. Many of the small communities in the region have endured considerable ground-water and other poisoning from lead and zinc operations. Pitcher’s pollution is so severe it is about to be abandoned under a government-backed buyout program. These economically-struggling communities continue to have problems with childhood developmental delays, contaminated property and economic sustenance. 

In Missouri, Newton County endured 13 fatalities from a suspected tornado. This rural county has an above-average poverty rate at 13.4 percent, and could be a concern for long-term recovery.

CWS RESPONSE
Emergency Response Specialists are continuing to monitor the situation and are in contact with faith-based and voluntary agency responders assisting in relief and recovery. CWS is ready to support its member denominations and domestic roundtable partners with material resources, training or project development support needs that may arise from these storms.

CWS anticipates an appeal to support responding to these and other spring storms within the U.S.