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Top Story of the Day — Sullivan recovering from EF-3 tornado: Surrounding communities pitching in to help
Sullivan County and the southern end of the City of Sullivan are recovering from the devastating effects of an EF-3 tornado that swept in a 13.5-mile path with a maximum width of 660 yards (3/8 mile) through both Friday evening, killing three, injuring eight and affecting the lives of thousands more. Peak wind speeds were estimated at 155mph.
Those killed Friday evening include Susan Horton, 61, her son Tom Horton, 38 and Shane Goodman, 47.
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado crossed the Wabash River and entered Sullivan County at Merom, where it severely damaged three homes and destroyed a modular home. Two occupants of this home were killed. A large trailer and several cars were thrown tens of yards and trees were sheared 20 to 30 feet off the ground.
At least 200 homes and structures in Sullivan were reported as severely damaged or destroyed. As the tornado moved southeast, at least three more homes were destroyed, including a modular home which was thrown at least 150 yards, killing one occupant and injuring another.
Moving eastward, the tornado began to weaken, continuing into a wooded area, damaging numerous trees before lifting and dissipating.
The national Weather Service reports much damage reached the EF-2 scale (111-135mph winds) with several locations where winds reached EF-3 (136-165mph).
Other tornadoes were reported near Bargersville and Whiteland in Johnson County, near Colfax in Clinton County, near Russiaville and Greentown in Hoaward County, near Martinsville in Morgan County and near McCormick’s Creek in Owen and Monroe Counties with a fatality count of two, and three injuries reported.
The Salvation Army (SAL), among other agencies, is on hand to assist in disaster relief for Sullivan residents.
The Salvation Army will focus on both immediate relief for those who are displaced and long-term assistance during the rebuilding process. The EDS team is currently set up at First Christian Church at 105 N. Broad Street, where they fed those who sought emergency assistance early Monday morning and prepared meals for distribution out in the community Monday afternoon and evening. An EDS canteen has been brought up from Evansville to provide mobile delivery of food and water to affected areas of the county.
According to SAL, early Saturday morning, The Salvation Army transitioned operational focus to feeding, hydration and emotional and spiritual care across the impacted area. One mobile kitchen, located in the Silver Street Corridor, is providing meals and a second roving unit is providing meals to impacted regions deeper within the county. The SAL has served nearly 250 meals in the first few hours of the incident and is staging resources and personnel at First Christian Church in Sullivan.
Michele Smith, the Sullivan County Service Extension Coordinator, shared, “We are all trying to get our feet under us, These early moments of the disaster are very fluid, and it is nearly impossible for us to get into the highest impacted areas until emergency crews are able to clear roadways. Our mobile kitchens are ready to deploy to those areas to support first responders and survivors.” She went on to say, “The community has already been very generous to us in these early moments and truly the best way people can support us right now is through financial donations.”
The Salvation Army of Sullivan is prepared to serve for as long as needed. With the feeding capacity of the mobile kitchen, the support of First Christian Church and other faith communities The Salvation Army has committed to doing all it can to help Sullivan recover from this disaster.
More than 560 meals were delivered to residents and workers over the course of the weekend. Food is continuing to be prepared at First Christian Church and delivered via the EDS canteen. Domino’s has also donated pizza to help with lunches.
The Salvation Army in Sullivan County does not have the capacity to handle donations of goods at this time, but monetary donations are much needed. First Financial Bank has set up Salvation Army Red Kettles at all three bank branches in the county and are collecting donations for relief efforts. Case management will be vital in this community over the next several weeks and months, so the EDS team is preparing to work with residents to determine their long-term needs. This will begin as soon as the damage assessment report is available for the county.
“This community continues to rally together in times of celebrations and in times of need,” said Sullivan Mayor Clint Lamb. “You all have witnessed and stepped up in remarkable ways, loving and helping strangers just as your neighbors. We have a long road to recovery, but this community, together, can and will recover better, stronger and more steadfast. Our deepest condolences go out to every person and family that was impacted by this catastrophe. Our hearts are with those who lost their lives and those building back up. As we begin to navigate these new roads, we will not leave any rock unturned to find support and resources.
We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from those who have stepped up to volunteer and offer support. Many have asked how they can support those affected financially during this time. Because of that, we thank the Wabash Valley Community Foundation for creating a fund for those who wish to give. To donate, please visit www.wvcf.org/funds/help-sullivan-recover/. Contributions can also be sent to Help Sullivan Recover WV Community Foundation 200 S 8th St Terre Haute, IN 47807.
Thank you for those who are truly taking time to care.”
Linton Mayor John Wilkes and Operations Manager Brent Murray have traveled back and forth to Sullivan to help.
“First thing this morning I reached out to Sullivan Mayor Clint Lamb,” Wilkes said Monday morning. “Our Operations Manager, Brent Murray, has also made contact and Linton is on stand-by to assist Sullivan.”