On May 10, 2014 an EF2 tornado hit the small town of Orrick, MO which is about 30 miles east of Kansas City, MO located in Ray County. It has a population of approximately 800 people. This is the second tornado to hit Orrick, MO in it's history. In 1967, a tornado touched down destroying the high school and killing 2 people. The May 10th tornado also took a direct hit on the high school and continued across town lifting off the ground virtually at the city limits. Fortunately there were no fatalities this time.
The Red Cross stepped in to action immediately, providing a shelter for those who needed a place to stay and food/clothing to residents affected. The service center (a location for residents to go and receive assistance after a disaster) was open from Sunday May 11th to Saturday May 17th, closing in time to allow church services to resume as normal on Sunday May 18th. Service Centers generally are set up in a location that is easily accessible to the residents affected. Sometimes it's a school, business, community center or in this case, a church. I was fortunate enough to be able to respond for the Red Cross and do damage assessment. I don't take many pics during a disaster, mainly to respect the privacy of those affected. Here are just a few pictures of the service center we set up in the local church and a sign that I couldn't help but chuckle at. Unfortunately, looting can be a problem after a disaster and residents were prepared if such activity occurred!
Continued prayers for the residents of Orrick, MO that they may have the strength and courage to rebuild and resume with their lives!
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