Latest Bulletin from the Coordinator of the Kentucky Interchurch Disaster Recovery Program Concerning Grayson County, Kentucky:

MAY 24, 2000

At approximately 3 P.M. E.D.T. tornadoes struck the city of Leitchfield, Kentucky in
Grayson County and several surrounding counties. The primary damage was in Leitchfield and the Clarkson community. Damage assessments are incomplete, but in general, homes were destroyed or sustained major damage, trees were uprooted, and power and telephone outages were reported in the impact area.

National Guard units moved in quickly to secure the areas and to provide other immediate services. The American Red Cross has set up service centers for shelter, food, and other relief assistant in the Grayson County Middle School on Highway 62. Approximately 13 persons received injuries, but none lifethreatening. There were NO fatalities, due in part to the excellent alert system that functioned well despite only a twenty-minute warning!

Damage Assessments:

For Grayson County, current estimates indicate that 70-80 homes were either destroyed or received major damage (approximately half destroyed) and at least 15 businesses in an industrial park were destroyed or received major damage. In Adair County one mobile home was destroyed mid in Taylor County, a roof was damage and power lines were down. Eleven other counties reported problems, but there was little property damage and no injuries. Assessments are still being made. Further information will be Forthcoming when final assessments are submitted.

KIDRP's Response:

I have been in touch with Red Cross and local ministerial leaders who are in process of completing damage assessments and addressing other allied problems. In the very near future I will be visiting the damage sites and working with community leaders to set up an unmet needs committee for the recovery phase. The model we will suggest, since this seems like a moderately sized disaster, is the one we are using in the 3 other current disaster sites in the state. We will assist in the organization of the local committee, which will be directing the recovery program. In that connection we will be a collegial partner providing assistance as our resources permit and sharing expertise we have garnered in the field of disaster recovery.

WHAT CAN CHURCHES DO?

Officials are asking that no material contributions (clothes, food, cleaning supplies, water, etc.,) be sent directly unless a specific request for certain items is made. Tragedies like this always evoke a response on the part of generous and sympathetic people who are moved to do "something." Because of the mainline agencies appointed to provide immediate emergency support and church organizations whose disaster policy is to respond quickly to the relief phase (immediate needs like food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, basic hygene items, etc.) our focus is on the long period of recovery when all of these other agencies have moved on to other problems. WE ARE PRESENTLY ENDEAVORING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ALL OF THE DISASTERS WE HAVE SUFFERED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2000. Two other areas (Owenboro and Lewis County) are already into the recovery phase and we are in urgent need for funds to support volunteer activities, mainly in the areas of building materials and administrative support. This new crisis in Grayson County highlights the need for funds to support volunteer activities. 100% of all donated funds will be used for the recovery phase in each of these areas. To be more direct: GENEROUS AND IMMEDIATE MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS WILL DO THE MOST GOOD FOR THE VICTIMS OF THESE DISASTERS.

Contributions may be sent to the Kenucky Council of Churches, KIDRP Account, 2549 Richmond Road Suite 302, Lexington, KY 40509.