Baptist World Alliance, BWA News Release

Baptists respond to tornadoes and flooding in the US

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Baptists respond to tornadoes and flooding in the USA deadly tornado as it moved into Vilonia, Arkansas, on April 27

Baptists are responding to the spate of natural disasters that caused the loss of life and property in parts of the United States in late April.

On April 25, numerous severe thunderstorms developed across central and eastern North Carolina into southern Virginia, damaging or destroying 100 homes, killing one person and injuring 16 others.

From April 27-29, numerous tornadoes ripped across parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Florida.

More than 160 tornadoes were reported over a four day period and more than 60 confirmed by authorities. At least 35 people have died from the tornadoes and floods.

A large tornado struck Mayflower and Vilonia in Arkansas on April 27 causing severe damage, killing 15 people. Another death was confirmed with a tornado that moved through Quapaw, Oklahoma, and Baxter Springs, Kansas. At least nine people were killed when a tornado struck Louisville, Mississippi.

Severe flooding has also been associated with the system, with areas of Florida, Arkansas, Missouri, Maryland and other states badly affected.

Groups such as the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Virginia Baptists, North Carolina Baptist Men and Texas Baptist Men have responded or are preparing to do so. Others are awaiting assessment from first responders and disaster relief coordinators to determine their response.

The Baptist World Alliance, through Baptist World Aid, is monitoring the level of damage and response to the various disasters.

Donation may be made online at www.bwanet.org or sent by mail to:
Baptist World Aid
C/o Baptist World Alliance
405 North Washington Street
Falls Church, VA 22046

Baptist World Alliance®
© May 2, 2014

The Baptist World Alliance, founded in 1905, is a fellowship of 266 conventions and unions in 134 countries and territories comprising 51 million baptized believers in 178,000 churches. For more than 100 years, the Baptist World Alliance has networked the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ with a commitment to strengthen worship, fellowship and unity; lead in mission and evangelism; respond to people in need through aid, relief, and community development; defend religious freedom, human rights, and justice; and advance theological reflection and leadership development.