Released 12 May 2008
McAlester, OK - The Salvation Army is responding to a tornado that affected Pittsburg County southwest of McAlester. Captain Rick Swartz deployed his mobile feeding unit to Bache, OK where damage was reported and a dozen or so homes damaged or destroyed.
Captain Mike Lucas of Ada, OK sent his mobile feeding unit and a crew to assist in the area of Haywood where the same tornado also touched down. It is very fortunate the tornado hit mostly rural areas as it stayed on the ground for several minutes.
Captain Swartz states "It is truly a blessing the storm affected so few people. If the area had been heavily populated, it would have been a horrific event. The Salvation Army will provide services until they are no longer needed by first responders or survivors."
In both areas, electric was returning as the evening progressed on Sunday. It is expected all power will be restored sometime during the day on Monday except where the homes are completely destroyed or are deemed unsafe to receive electricity.
Approximately 75 -100 meals and numerous cold drinks were served during the day. It is expected that food service will continue through Noon on Monday.
Stuttgart, OK - The Pine Bluff, AR mobile feeding unit (canteen)is busy responding to a tornado stricken-area yet again, only one week after a series of tornadoes affected communities within a few miles of their office.
Captain Ernie Hull and a canteen and crew from Pine Bluff arrived on site in Stuttgart AR by 10:45 PM Saturday evening and established a base at the mobile command post at Pine Street Baptist Church on Highway 65. They served all night long and by 11:00 AM this morning had served over 2,000 meals. The Pine Bluff canteen will continue a 24-hour situation at least through curfew of 9:00 PM on Monday evening. Captain Ben Walters of Conway, AR arrived with the Little Rock canteen this afternoon and began assisting with feeding operations immediately.
Captain Hull reports a 7-block wide and 2 mile long area is affected in Stuttgart. Ninety percent (90%) of the area is without electricity with estimations from the power company of four to five days before all power is restored. Initial reports are 50 businesses destroyed and between 150-200 homes destroyed or damaged. Some areas are only accessible by four-wheelers. Over 6,600 meals, 4,200 snacks, and 5,300 drinks have been served within the last 24 hour period. As of this hour, The Salvation Army is one of the only food sources for the community as virtually no restaurants are open at this time due to no electricity or damage.
Support in the forms of Officers, canteens, and crews from Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Mountain Home AR are arriving on site this evening or will arrive early on Monday morning. Additionally, a canteen and crew from Enid, OK will arrive on Monday. A full compliment of an Incident Command Staff is established to help ensure all of the immediate needs of the community are fulfilled.
Picher, OK - The Salvation Army is responding to first responders and victims in the aftermath of a deadly tornado that hit Ottawa County late Saturday evening. Survivors picked through what little remains that was left in their community as a result of the storm.
A 20-square block area is basically leveled and six people are confirmed dead. As of Sunday afternoon, search and rescue ended with the Medical Examiner stating all persons were accounted for at this time. The Salvation Army has an Emotional and Spiritual care team in place led by Captain Carlyle Gargis of Bartlesville, OK. .
Mobile feeding units arrived from the Tulsa Area Command and Enid, OK to provide support to first responders including search and rescue workers, and survivors. Persons with a valid picture ID and a confirmed addressed were let back into Ground Zero beginning at 5:00 PM today. The Salvation Army was on hand to hand out cold drinks and most importantly, to offer comfort to those individuals as they had their first look at the remains, if any, of their homes and personal items.
Many homes, businesses and vehicles were destroyed. FEMA will be on site beginning Monday to do preliminary damage assessments and individual assessments at the same time. Governor Brad Henry and First Lady Kim Henry were on site for a couple of hours today visiting with first responders and victims. He promised to do everything possible to ensure those affected by the storm have everything they need.
Captain Gargis states "We will be there to pray and minister to those affected. Our hearts go out to the families affected and especially to those who lost loved ones." National Guard troops, Oklahoma Highway patrol and others are securing the area.