March 6, 2020
MDS Response to Tennessee Tornado Outbreak
Lititz, PA – Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is actively monitoring the tragic destruction and loss of life from tornadoes that occurred March 2 in Tennessee.
According to National Weather Service, the tornadoes impacted eastern Nashville, Cookeville and a few other rural communities, including Mt. Juliet, about 20 miles/32 kilometres east of Nashville.
When disasters like this strike in the U.S. and Canada, local and other first-responder agencies move in first to help survivors, make the areas safe and secure, and begin assessing the scope of the damage. Later, MDS can be invited to consider assisting with long-term recovery by repairing and rebuilding homes for those impacted by the disaster.
Currently, MDS is in conversation with Tennessee VOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and local Nashville agencies, which are making the initial assessments about potential involvement.
MDS continues to monitor and to assess the needs in the Nashville area. We invite people to pray for those in Tennessee affected by this disaster.
