There are
many questions about the disasters we are having in Oklahoma. We have not only had
several severe weather events but are expecting more events to occur. There have been several tornado outbreaks the last few weeks. The Oklahoma Episcopal Diocese is a member of Oklahoma VOAD
(Volunteer Organization Active During Disaster). We sit on the committee of
Spiritual Care and on the Long Term Recovery Committee.
There are many questions about the disasters we are having in Oklahoma. We have not only had several severe weather events but are expecting more events to occur. There have been several tornado outbreaks the last few weeks. The Oklahoma Episcopal Diocese is a member of Oklahoma VOAD (Volunteer Organization Active During Disaster). We sit on the committee of Spiritual Care and on the Long Term Recovery Committee.
Although there were other places effected by weather, VOAD was invited to set up a MARC (Mobile Area Resource Center) in Haleyville and Blue. At the two MARCs the Diocese gave out $2,500.00 in gift cards to help people get personal and hygiene items.
We have since had more tornadoes. On May 20th to 21st, we had 15 tornadoes total but very few made it all the way to the ground. The main thing that most are concern with now is the flooding.
Several state highways look like lakes. They are opening dams to save them, which is causing flooding down stream. The Cimarron River has eroded 20 feet of shore line and washed away two homes. There are more homes hanging over the edge. There is a lot flooding all over the state and now state officials are talking about evacuating the whole town of Weber Falls.
Tulsa, Oklahoma has had two tornadoes as well as severe flooding causing some evacuation. They have opened two shelters in the Tulsa area, and others in Bartlesville, Miami, and Muskogee.
Flooding can be worse than a tornado, it is easier to see, but when you have two feet of water running through a house it harder for some people to see. One can see a house is there but everything is ruined inside. One of the things we have been discussing is when one or two-disasters hit you have a disaster response area set up to help folks in need. With severe weather outbreaks being state wide and still going on, it spreads resources thin. As I write this, we are getting warning of more severe weather moving toward us.
This is a small look at what is happening and there is more to come. When the Long Term Committee meets, we will look at what the needs are and what resources are available. We will try to help people put their lives back together but we will need finical help as well as physical labor.
Paul Snyder, Deacon
Oklahoma Diocese Disaster Response.