MDS assessing needs in wake of Midwest tornadoes

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is assessing needs in the wake of deadly tornadoes that struck Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky on March 14.

Three people were killed and 38 more injured near Indian Lake, Ohio, about 70 miles northwest of Columbus. Search-and-rescue continues, and hard-hit areas remain difficult to reach, reported MDS regional operations coordinator Darin Bontrager.

As MDS continues to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and state and local emergency management officials, more details will be available about the needs of survivors, and how MDS might respond.

In Indiana and Kentucky, local organizations are providing an immediate response, and non-local volunteers are asked to wait until the area is safe to access and more information is available about local needs.

In Indiana, 38 people were injured in the Winchester area, where search-and-rescue continues. Bontrager, working with the Indiana VOAD, reported that 60 homes were destroyed and 150 more were damaged.

More than 100 buildings and homes were damaged in northern Kentucky. Trimble, Carroll, and Gallatin Counties were impacted, with the town of Milton hit the worst.

What you can do

Please pray. Pray for those affected by these storms, and for our regional MDS leaders and VOAD partners who are hitting the ground and the phone lines to find out more.

Please donate. Send donations to MDS to support the response we may have in the coming days. MDS accepts only monetary donations. Donations may be made online; please select “2024 Spring Tornadoes” in the drop-down box.

You may also send a check to Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543 and enter “2024 Spring Tornadoes” as the designation.

Please volunteer. Send an email to volunteer@mds.org – include your name, address, and email address. MDS will add you to the waiting list for volunteers.