Massive tornado damage
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Dozens of tornadoes touched down in Iowa and Nebraska May 22-23, causing massive flooding and damaging or destroying many homes.
No members or missionaries were hurt during the storm, which caused two deaths and injured more than 50 people. In Iowa, a tornado destroyed 75 percent of the small town of Bradgate, near Ft. Dodge. In Nebraska, tornadoes destroyed most of the small communities of Hallam and Wilber. There was also significant damage to communities and farms over a 13-county, rural area south of Lincoln.
The homes of two member families living in Hallam, Neb., received substantial damage in the storm. The homes of several other member families, all from the Lincoln Nebraska Stake, were flooded, said Garry R. Flake, director of Church Emergency Response.
The Church donated $25,000 to the local Red Cross for emergency relief in the area, and hundreds of Latter-day Saints have volunteered to help, he added.
"It is one of those situations where the Church is incredible with volunteer labor," Brother Flake said. "We have really made a difference."
Arnold J. Bateman, president of the Lincoln Nebraska Stake, said members were giving service immediately after the storm subsided. "I am really grateful and appreciative for the way the members are responding," he said.
The Red Cross, he added, is extremely grateful for the Church's quick response and assistance.
Joseph G. Cheney, president of the Ames Iowa Stake, said members in his stake have also been giving service, especially in Bradgate, a town of about 200. Members of the Ft. Dodge Ward, which includes Bradgate, participate in cleanup efforts, feeding volunteers and sorting belongings of victims, he said. The Church provided building material to repair the damage, but most of the homes in the community were damaged beyond repair, he said.
"We have a number of members that will be traveling up to help with demolition," President Cheney said. "It has been a tragedy, but in the midst of tragedy it is a miracle how the members come together and try to help."
