When disaster and conflict strike, the CWS Emergency Response Fund supports vulnerable communities in their time of greatest need
Starting on Friday, March 14, a powerful storm system swept through the Midwest and South, causing widespread devastation throughout the weekend. The storm claimed at least 42 lives, including several children.
The system brought a dangerous mix of high winds, heavy rain, tornadoes and wildfires, triggering a significant tornado outbreak. On Friday alone, 46 tornadoes were reported, followed by 41 more on Saturday, impacting states such as Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. The tornadoes uprooted trees, leveled homes and businesses and left thousands without power. The most intense confirmed tornado, an EF-4 with winds reaching 190 mph, struck Jackson County, Arkansas. Although no tornadoes were reported on Sunday, damaging winds caused destruction across West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.
In total, nearly 1,500 severe weather reports were recorded between Friday and Sunday, leaving over 120,000 customers without power as of Monday morning. Meanwhile, wildfires fueled by the storm system raged across Texas and Oklahoma, resulting in at least four additional deaths. As the storm moved eastward, it gradually weakened, with the heaviest rainfall clearing the New England coast by Monday evening.
The CWS EPRR team is closely monitoring the situation and intends to participate in any pertinent coordination efforts and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) calls to stay informed . We are also checking in with local staff to identify their assistance needs and offering CWS Kits and Blankets to the region as needed.
By contributing to CWS’ Emergency Response Fund, your contributions ensure that we can provide critical and life-saving resources to our neighbors when it’s most needed.
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About the CWS Emergency Response Fund
In the days immediately following a catastrophic disaster, CWS provides cleanup buckets, kits and vital supplies to help impacted people begin to clear up what was left behind. In the U.S. and around the world CWS works with trusted local community-based organizations to reach the most vulnerable communities, including immigrants and refugees, to provide the support these families need. When war, conflict and violence force families to flee their homes in search of safety, CWS provides emergency support along the journey and connects them with vital services to rebuild their lives.
The road to recovery is often long and challenging. That’s why after attention fades, CWS works to ensure that affected communities continue to receive the help they need by providing support to community long-term recovery groups. The Emergency Response Fund allows us to quickly respond to emergencies as soon as they occur. By standing with CWS, you can remind our neighbors on the journey from response to recovery to thriving, they are never alone.