Organizations tackling storm wreckage and bringing more resources to Poplar Bluff
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — People are tackling storm wreckage leftover from the EF-3 tornado that tore through Butler County, as organizations bring more resources to the area.
People are adjusting to their new lives after the recent tornadoes. Some people have had to pack up their homes that are not currently livable, some are starting repairs, and some people have had to find new daycares for their children – all this as they continue clearing the debris.
Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief volunteers set up a command center in Poplar Bluff last week and have been out helping people across Southeast Missouri.
Side by side on Seifert Drive, Samaritan’s purse volunteer crews – in orange t-shirts – assisted two different families with storm damage to their homes.
Resident Lisa Wyatt is working with her insurance after her garage was damaged by fallen trees. She said the tornado has changed the landscape – her family lost about 16 trees in their backyard.
“They’re old trees – pecan trees,” she said. “This tree was, you know, probably 70 or 80 years old. All these trees have been here forever but now they’re gone.”
On the other side of the street, Joyce McDonald filled in for her daughter Erika who had to work while the volunteers came to tarp up her damaged roof.
Joyce said she’s seen many resources in the community, and people working together.
“Everywhere you go, everyone will ask you, ‘Have you been affected by it? Do you know someone that’s been affected by it? Can we help you with anything, or can we direct you in some place that you need to go that you can receive any type of assistance?'” she said. “I mean, the outreach is just wonderful.”
Shana Hazard is just one of the nearly 100 volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse that are out assisting people in Butler and Wayne counties.
She said it’s a great feeling – helping people in times of greatest need, when the damage can be so overwhelming.
“It’s just so much damage that it – it takes a crew and if you got a good crew it’s amazing how fast you can move,” she said. “That’s what the homeowners say – they’re just amazed how quick we can come in — the orange army — and just move that stuff out for them. It’s such a relief for them.”
More help is on it’s way. A multi-agency resource center set up at Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff will be open Thursday, March 27 and Friday, March 28. Various organizations will be providing information and disaster-related assistance to people who have been impacted.
