LDR Evaluating Needs, Preparing Response to Mar. 7 Tornadoes

14 March 2008 - TW

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is in the process of evaluating needs and preparing a response for those victims of the tornadoes that ripped through Florida on Friday, March 7, 2008.  (Click here to read the Reuters news story on the tornadoes.) 

The National Weather Service reported that up to 12 tornadoes had affected areas of northern Florida and southeast Georgia, damaging and destroying homes and leaving large areas without power for extended periods.  Areas around Tallahassee and Lake City were particularly hard hit.

Early reports from Tallahassee on Mar. 10 indicated that structural damage to 36 homes and businesses in that area, according to Danielle Kearney, LDR-Team Florida Coordinator and Director for Church and Community Relations at Lutheran Services Florida.  However, "the numbers keep rising," she stated on Mar. 13.

The latest report indicates that 60 homes were affected in the Lake City area, including 34 that were completely destroyed.  "Not enough for a Presidential declaration" that would engage FEMA, said Ms. Kearney, "but there are many unmet recovery needs."

LDR-Team Florida is continuing to evaluate the situation and preparing to make an appropriate response that would likely include volunteer services, programs for children to help them process the disaster and grants as needed to assist with long term recovery.

Click here to see photos of tornado damage compiled by viewers of Jacksonville's TV4.

See also this article from the Disaster News Network.

Click here to donate to Lutheran Services Florida or Lutheran Disaster Response.

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