 A 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. |
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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 Alliance® |