wfn.org | Lutherans Continue Aid after 'Deadly and Destructive Spring'

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 26, 2001

LUTHERANS CONTINUE AID AFTER 'DEADLY AND DESTRUCTIVE SPRING'
01-175-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri
Synod, continues  recovery operations in Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi,
Texas and Wisconsin, after a tropical storm and tornadoes devastated the
areas last winter and spring.
     "People in [these] areas face an enormous challenge as they
rebuild lives after a deadly and destructive spring," said the Rev.
Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response.
     Twelve people died and hundreds of homes were affected after a
series of tornadoes struck four areas of Alabama in December, Furst
said.  "The Birmingham area needs volunteers to remove debris and
rebuild," he said.
     In Hoisington, Kan., one person died and 28 were injured when a
tornado struck the town on April 24.  More than 180 homes were
destroyed, 52 sustained major, non- repairable damage and 392 had minor
damage, Furst said.  "Volunteers are needed for clean-up, repairs and
rebuilding," he said.
     On Feb. 24, five people were killed when a tornado swept through
northern Mississippi, Furst said.  "Some 300 homes were either destroyed
or damaged.  Most severely affected areas included Columbus, Pontotoc
and Starkville, Miss.," he said.
     Tropical Storm Allison killed 43 people June 9-10.  Floods
resulting from the storm struck an area from southeast Texas to southern
Louisiana, and from Mississippi to Georgia, Florida and North and South
Carolina, Furst said.
     "Assessment of needs continues," he said.  "Worst hit is Houston,
where it is estimated that damage will reach $4 billion.  As many as
20,000 houses may be affected in both Texas and Louisiana," said Furst.
     On June 18, a tornado damaged or destroyed about 120 homes in
Siren, Wis., Furst said.  "At the moment, local clean-up volunteers are
needed," he said.
     "The [disaster survivors'] needs are deep, but their hopes are
high," Furst said.
-- -- --
DOMESTIC DISASTERS:

Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to survivors
of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S.
Virgin Islands, please include:

               ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
                       P.O. Box 71764
                   Chicago, IL  60694-1764
                        800-638-3522

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html