UMCOR Responds to Deadly November Storms

Date: November 12, 2002

Deadly tornadoes and storms that thundered through many communities early this week have killed at least 35 people in five states: sixteen deaths have been reported in Tennessee, twelve in Alabama, five in Ohio and one each in Mississippi and Pennsylvania. More than 200 people were injured. Tom Hazelwood, executive secretary for UMCOR Emergency Services, USA, reports that 13 states were affected by the storms.

UMCOR's work is carried out through the United Methodist Annual Conferences; emergency financial grants will be available for affected areas at the Bishop's request. Needs for clean-up and long-term recovery for each area are determined locally with resourcing (advice and funds) from UMCOR.

UMCOR has been in contact with many of the Annual Conferences where damage occurred:

In the North Alabama Conference, disaster response personnel are assessing Walker County and other areas.
In North Georgia, Bishop Lindsey Davis has requested an emergency grant to help with immediate needs in Pickens County where the county seat community Jasper received severe damage.
In Louisiana, which is still recovering from Isidore and Lili, UMCOR has responded to Bishop William Hutchinson's request for flood buckets filled with cleaning and other supplies. Heavy rain on Sunday evening caused new flooding.
In the Tennessee Conference, disaster coordinators are assessing damage that is scattered all over the central part of the state.
In eastern Tennessee, the Holston Conference is responding to severe damage in Morgan County and in the community of Mossy Grove where, according to District Superintendent Gordon Ridenour, 7 died, 28 were severely injured, and more than 70 homes and mobile homes were affected. UMCOR expects to send an emergency grant in the next few days.
In West Ohio, Bishop Bruce Ough reports that conference disaster personnel are assessing in Van Wert county and they expect that more information will be known in the next few days. Bishop Ough says that one of the deaths was an 18-year-old member of one of the United Methodist congregations.

For this Churchwide Appeal, please give generously to UMCOR Advance #901670, Domestic Disaster Response. Give through a local United Methodist church or send monetary contributions to: UMCOR, 475 Riverside Dr., Room 330, New York, NY 10115. Call 1-800-554-8583 to make a credit card donation. Click to make a secure online gift.

Updated October 10, 2003

UMCOR Responds to Deadly November Storms

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