President Obama gave an address to the nation this morning after a massive tornado ripped through Oklahoma yesterday. According to the address, “one of the most destructive tornadoes in history sliced through the towns of Newcastle and Moore, Oklahoma.” There have been conflicting reports of the death toll, but most recently, the New York Times reported that 24 deaths and 174 injuries have been confirmed.
The tornado was on the ground for 40 minutes, traveled 20 miles, and had winds up to 166mph. Tornados are measured on the Enhanced Fujita scale that measures from 0-5. With the information available now, this tornado is estimated to be an EF4. Across news stations, reporters are comparing this tornado to one that appeared in May of 1999. That tornado covered Kansas and Oklahoma, was an EF5, and caused 46 deaths.
Moore residents are giving personal accounts of their experiences, each one more heartbreaking than the next. Sara Johnson had to rush her 4 year-old daughter to the hospital during the storm because she was suffering from an asthma attack. The New York Times reported that she put a hard hat on her daughter as she raced into the emergency room and hunkered down. Contrary to normalcy, the hospital was not a safe place to be, as it was directly in the path of the tornado. The nurses facilitated emergency procedures, and the mother-daughter pair hid under a mattress against a wall. Thankfully, both of them survived. Stories like the Johnsons are being reported constantly.
Devastatingly, the tornado destroyed two elementary schools, killing nine children and injuring more than 70. “Our gratitude is with the teachers who gave their all to shield their children; with the neighbors, first responders, and emergency personnel who raced to help as soon as the tornado passed; and with all of those who, as darkness fell, searched for survivors through the night,” President Obama said. Since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, there have been far too many deaths of children on the national news.
On the CBS Evening News, Scott Pelley interviewed Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin who asked for the prayers of the nation during the search and rescue operation. President Obama closed his address by saying, “In some cases, there will be enormous grief that has to be absorbed, but you will not travel that path alone. Your country will travel it with you, fueled by our faith in the Almighty and our faith in one another.”
How you can help
The Red Cross is accepting donations of $10 via text message. You can text REDCROSS to 90999 or donate by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS. USA Today provides several other ways to donate to help the victims who have lost their homes and loved ones.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/21/obama-oklahoma-tornado-2013_n_3312267.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/22/us/oklahoma-tornado.html?hp&_r=0
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/20/us/oklahoma-1999-tornado/index.html
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/20/help-tornado-victims/2344493/
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57585404/oklahoma-governor-we-need-lots-of-prayers-tonight/