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Mar 05, 2012 | EDOT Staff

Tornado Outbreak Impacts Midwest, Southern Dioceses

Tornado - Indiana

A volunteer walks down a tornado-ravaged street March 3
 in Henryville, Indiana. Dozens of people were killed as
severe weather and tornados ripped through the South
and Midwest yesterday. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Tornadoes swept across parts of the Midwest and South over the weekend, killling 39 people and leaving many more homeless.

 

"We are overwhelmed in the Diocese of Indianapolis today," wrote Kathy Copas in an email. "Everyone is calling, writing, and asking what to do."

 

To donate to the Southern Indiana Tornado Relief fund, visit www.indydio.org or send checks to:

 

Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis

Southern Indiana Tornado Relief Fund

1100 W. 42nd Street

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

The Diocese of Southern Ohio also received damage. They are working with Lutheran Social Services to respond. 

 

Contributions can be sent to Lutheran Social Services, earmarked Diocese of Southern Ohio Disaster Response:

 

c/o Mary Woodward

Diocese of Southern Ohio

810 Main St.

Caldwell, OH 43724.

 

Episcopal Relief and Development released the following statement:

 

Two series of tornadoes struck the Midwest and South on February 28-29 and March 2-3, impacting towns and congregations in many Episcopal dioceses. Some affected areas are still recovering from the devastating tornadoes of April 2011.

 

A total of 39 people died in the storms that hit a wide swath of the South and Midwest on March 2-3, causing severe damage in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.

 

The February 28-29 storms caused 10 deaths and significant damage in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois.

 

Episcopal Relief & Development has reached out to a number of Episcopal dioceses in affected areas, including the dioceses of East Tennessee, Alabama, West Missouri, Kentucky, Lexington, Indianapolis and Springfield.

 

At this time, Episcopal Relief & Development encourages prayers for all those who have been affected by these storms, especially those who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Please also pray for the first responders who are putting their lives at risk to help others, and for Episcopal clergy and lay leaders who are preparing to help their communities rebuild.