Samaritan’s Purse sends disaster response teams to aid storm-hit areas in Kentucky and Missouri.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Samaritan’s Purse, the North Carolina-based international Christian relief organization, mobilized disaster response teams to aid communities devastated by Friday night’s deadly storm and tornado outbreak across the Midwest.
The powerful storms claimed at least 27 lives and left thousands of homes damaged or destroyed in Kentucky and Missouri.
Less than 24 hours after the tornadoes struck, the organization dispatched two Disaster Relief Units—tractor-trailers fully stocked with emergency equipment and supplies—to Laurel County, Kentucky and St. Louis, Missouri.
The mobile command centers are expected to arrive today, with volunteer teams beginning work tomorrow.
“Yesterday, many families across America woke up to a trail of death and destruction after Friday night’s severe tornado outbreak,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “I know these will be difficult days for many and my heart breaks for those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Please join me in praying for them and for our Samaritan’s Purse teams who are responding in Jesus’ Name.”
In St. Louis, where Mayor Cara Spencer estimates up to 5,000 homes may have been affected, Samaritan’s Purse staff are already coordinating with local churches and emergency management officials to identify the hardest-hit neighborhoods. The organization plans to establish a volunteer operations center at a partner church, where hundreds of volunteers will receive daily assignments.
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