40 LDS families displaced by flooding in Tennessee
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A record storm displaced some 40 Latter-day Saint families of the Nashville Tennessee Stake, forcing them to find shelter with friends, relatives, fellow members and at local hotels.
The two-day storm, May 1-2, reportedly dumped more than a foot of rain in Nashville and other regions of Tennessee and Kentucky, causing flooding that is being blamed for 28 deaths. All members and missionaries are safe and accounted for.
The Cumberland River, which runs through downtown Nashville, crested at nearly 12 feet above flood stage.
Nashville Tennessee Stake President Kevin M. Tipps said crews of members have been mobilized to assist flood victims of all backgrounds. Most of the work has included stripping and cleaning carpets and Sheetrock in homes and providing reconstruction where skilled labor is available.
"We will probably have crews on the ground for the next three days and on Saturdays," said President Tipps on May 5.
No area meetinghouses were seriously impacted by the deluge. Two minor leaks in the roof of the Nashville Tennessee Temple were repaired. The residence of temple president Richard K. Sager suffered major flooding.
"[President Sager] had to be taken out by boat," said President Tipps.
The Church dispatched a truckload of water to affected areas as part of an initial response.
