Devastating Tornadoes Tear Across Central U.S. Displacing Thousands of People and Pets

Devastating Tornadoes Tear Across Central U.S. Displacing Thousands of People and Pets

Adobe Stock: Dan Ross

States that are still recovering from severe weather in March are being hit again by deadly tornadoes, flooding, and damaging winds.

Tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kentucky and other surrounding states, leaving a path of destruction. 

Adobe Stock: jsnewtonian

Over two dozen people have been killed and thousands of homes destroyed. The devastation is heartbreaking. 

One of the hardest hit states is Kentucky, with the city of London taking a direct hit from an EF-3 tornado. It claimed the lives of at least 19 people and decimated entire neighborhoods. 

London Mayor Randall Weddle told local news station WYMT, "[I’ve] never seen anything like this."

Adobe Stock: Ron Alvey

Gov. Andy Beshear said, "This is another incredibly tough time for Kentucky. And it’s another reminder that life is short and it’s our duty to be kind and do good. As always – we will get through this together."

Another EF-3 tornado tore through St. Louis, which is being called "the worst storm in St. Louis history". Over 5,000 buildings were damaged and numerous people injured. 

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer posted, "My heart aches for our city and all the St. Louisans whose lives were taken or forever altered by this storm. But today, I also feel proud to be a St. Louisan. We have seen our first responders and community step up in incredible ways to keep our neighbors safe, help those who were trapped or injured, and begin our city’s recovery."

More severe weather, including possible tornadoes, are heading their way.

Federal assistance is still uncertain for the thousands of displaced people and pets. Animal shelters are overwhelmed with the influx of displaced and injured pets. They need help now. 

Stray Rescue of St. Louis put out a plea for help. They wrote"Before the storm that devastated the St. Louis and surrounding area last week, we were already busting at the seams and our rescue efforts had been placed on hold while we attempted to come up for air and get some of these babies into forever or foster homes.

"However, with the destruction of last week’s tornado, our city needs us. We are getting so many calls about animals who are injured or in danger and we’re rescuing them quicker than we can get them into homes. We are drowning and cannot set up any more temporary crates, so we are BEGGING for your help during this difficult time in our city’s history."
 

Greater Good Charities continues to work with partners in impacted areas to assess the need so that they can assist however necessary. Donate now to provide critical aid.

Andrea Powell

Andrea Powell is an animal enthusiast who resides in West Michigan. When not writing, she is exploring the great outdoors with her dogs and horses.

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