Tornadoes are nothing to be treated lightly. Those of us who live in "tornado alley" know that -- they are devastating storms that should be respected.
We awoke today to the news that the city south of us (Joplin, Missouri) that I've often mentioned had been flattened by a tornado. At least 75% of the city is damaged (and it's not a small city -- it's population is 50,000) and we've heard reports of 90 deaths.
It's such big news that it is even on our NEWS over here!!! Complete with a live reporter!!!!
Many of our son-in-law's family members live in and around Joplin but we've also heard that they are all right. Not so, children of two of our friends -- although they and their families are safe, they've lost their cars and their homes and their job (because that business was also flattened by the tornado!)
Many people from our town have been going south to help with rescue efforts. It's nice to see people pulling together for a common good.
We feel so helpless over here and that all we can offer is our prayers.
11 comments:
We've seen this so much. Each time continues to amaze me. Both at the power of mother nature and the kindness of people who help.
I've just seen the latest coverage and it is unbelievable. I feel so very sorry for those people. It was very nice to see the help already pouring in--many folks just showing up to help people locate what was left for them, etc.. I'm sure it is hard to be so very far away when this happens.
Best,
Bonnie
I've been following it from here - the horror of it all. I can see that people are taking care of one another and that shows the best of human nature. Thank goodness you and yours are safe.
It must be so hard to be so far away and wondering. I've thought of you several times in the last couple of days.
I hope the rest of the season will pass more quietly and avoid your home.
Nature can be so horrifing. I'm glad that your family and friends are safe despite loosing their homes, businesses and cars. My thoughts are with them and the other families who have suffered loss. I know you must feel helpless but your family and friends know differently and your prayers will help.
Prayers are good.
the news here in St louis is running longer to cover it. I am a nurse and the thought of being in the hospital with patients, no power, helpless makes me feel horrible. I was in a F4 tornado myself and I hope never again!
Martha, it truly is awful. The pictures on the news here are just devastating. The death count was 110 last I heard and expected to go higher. They are trying to go house by house, block by block to find survivors. People are coming from AR and OK and down from KC to try to help wherever and however they can.
We live in Carthage, just 15 miles from Joplin. The images on TV are horrific. It will take along time to recover from this diaster. We have friends that were injured in this tornado and are in the hospital.
I've been listening to the news reports on BBC Radio 4 and have been wondering if your family had been affected at all.
How wonderful it is when communities pull together in times like these.
Maggie
My parents who live in Nevada could see that the sky that direction looked evil. They almost drove to Joplin the day of the tornado. I am glad they decided to stay home.
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