The state of Oklahoma in the United States was struck by a catastrophic tornado for the second time within a month. On Monday, May 6, multiple massive tornadoes swept through the northeast of the state, demolishing homes and knocking down trees and power lines. The severe weather persisted for nearly a day, with wind speeds reaching 112 km/h, as reported by meteorologists. Authorities have reported at least one fatality and many injuries. AP News reports.
Hurricane in Barnsdale: homes destroyed and nursing home evacuated
In Barnsdale, a small town with a population of 1,000, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that approximately 40 homes were either completely destroyed or sustained severe damage. Additionally, officials had to evacuate a nearby nursing home after the storm damaged a gas pipeline that could not be repaired or shut off due to poor weather conditions. The administration of the home for the elderly reported on their social network page that chaos reigns in the city, prompting the relocation of residents to other facilities or family members.
Due to the emergency, the local government of Barnsdale has activated all emergency services. Volunteers and rescuers are clearing the rubble and helping the victims. At the moment, temporary accommodation centers have been organized for residents who have lost their homes, as well as the collection of humanitarian aid.
City officials urge residents to remain calm and follow the instructions of security services. Additional support forces are expected to arrive from neighboring cities and states to speed up recovery from the storm.
The Mayor of Barnsdale expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the disaster response and emphasized the importance of united efforts during such difficult times.
After the storm: Bartlesville mobilizes resources to cope with the consequences of the disaster
Damage and road closures were also reported from the nearby town called Bartlesville.
Carey Fox from the Washington County Office of Emergency Management advised residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary to clear roads for emergency crews to travel through.
The authorities are actively endeavoring to repair damaged infrastructure and eliminate the consequences of the disaster. Utilities and road crews are mobilizing to quickly restore electricity and remove debris from roads. Temporary aid stations have also been installed in the city where victims can receive essential goods, drinking water and medical care.
Local volunteer organizations provide support to residents caught in the disaster area, providing them with temporary housing and assistance in rebuilding damaged homes. Members of the public are actively collecting donations and organizing humanitarian aid collections to help all those in need.
Bartlesville and Washington County authorities are urging residents to stay informed through local media and social media for updates on the current situation and receive immediate information on safe travel routes and emergency response locations.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center noted that the storm slightly weakened on Tuesday and its epicenter shifted eastward. In neighboring Kansas, certain regions experienced hail as large as apples, measuring 7.6 cm in diameter.
The storms are anticipated to persist until the end of the week. The eastern and southern areas, which are home to over 21 million people, are likely to be at risk. Recall that just over a week ago, a powerful tornado struck Nebraska, Iowa, and Texas, killing three people, including an infant.