State disaster relief teams from five associations managed to complete their cleanup assignments in the northeast part of the state the last week of October despite dodging storms in the process.
The first set of storms, including an EF2 tornado, blew through early Oct. 25, hitting the areas of Dutton, Pisgah, Rosalie and Ider, said David Patty, director of missions for Sand Mountain Baptist Association and Alabama Baptists’ District 2 disaster relief coordinator.
But before the teams working to clean up downed trees and other debris could wrap up their projects, another set of storms came through the area Oct. 26. This set included an EF1 tornado and mainly impacted the Geraldine area, Patty noted.
“There were no serious injuries, but there were a lot of trees down,” he said. And while many homes and some churches suffered minor damage, there was only one home destroyed, Patty added.
Disaster relief chain saw crews and volunteers assisting with the cleanup effort were from Sand Mountain, DeKalb, Etowah, Tennessee River and Morgan Baptist associations.
Tommy Puckett, state disaster relief adviser; Ronnie Warren, state clean up/recovery/chain saw coordinator; and the State Board of Missions’ (SBOM) Rapid Response Assessment Team also assisted in the effort.
At press time, work was expected to be completed by Oct. 30.
“Our teams responded well for both physical and spiritual needs of those affected,” said Mel Johnson, SBOM disaster relief strategist.
Storm damage also was reported Oct. 24–25 in Cullman and Baldwin counties. (TAB)
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