By Leah Allen
A deadly tornado that struck the Texas town of Van Sunday, May 10, has affected 204 total homes. Texas Baptists Disaster Recovery is on the ground assessing damage and preparing to begin volunteer mobilization.
According to the Red Cross, 62 homes were destroyed, 56 made uninhabitable, 41 received minor damage, and 45 were otherwise affected. There were two fatalities and 56 residents injured.
Texas Baptist Men, a partner organization of Texas Baptists that mobilizes immediate response teams, has chainsaw teams in the area and is working to clear debris.
First Baptist Church in Van is serving as a Red Cross shelter, housing around 50 to 60 people. The Emergency Operations Center is also set up at the church.
Located 11 miles outside of Van, First Baptist Church in Enon is supporting FBC, Van, by providing meals for the shelter residents and by housing Texas Baptist Men teams.
Currently, the primary need in Van is financial donations. Funds will be necessary as TBDR partners with the Long-Term Recovery Team and the local churches to rebuild homes.
TBDR works with disaster survivors throughout the long-term restoration process by partnering with local churches, associations and other long-term recovery teams to mobilize volunteers, gather donated funds and raise awareness.
Financial donations for Van recovery efforts and other TBDR initiatives are being accepted here.
For up-to-date information about TBDR recovery efforts in Van and volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals, visit texasbaptists.org/disaster and sign up for the volunteer corps newsletter.