[DistUpd] Nebraska Storms

[District Updates]

Dear Nebraska District congregations,

The storms of May 29 followed by subsequent flooding have caused damage across the state of Nebraska. FEMA is currently investigating damage reports in 40 counties. Lutheran Disaster Response, LCMS World Relief and Human Care, as well as orphan Grain Train have quickly responded.

Rev. Roger Kruger of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska who serves as Disaster Response Coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response along with Patty Stradley, a LDR volunteer coordinator, have assessed the damage and reported the following:

* The tornados in Kearney did some damage to both Holy Cross and Zion Lutheran Church. Many individuals sustained roof damage and downed trees. Due to loss of electricity, many also lost food stored in freezers. As of this writing, two industrial plants northeast of town, which are major employers, are still without power, and employees are unable to earn paychecks.

* There was substantial flooding in Cozad and Lexington, and several apartment buildings were evacuated. In Cozad, the evacuees lost both food and clothing to the floodwaters.

* A large number of irrigation pivots were destroyed in the Aurora area.

* Flooding in Schuyler has resulted in 7 or 8 homes being condemned.

* High winds and possible tornados destroyed as many as 6 homes in Gage and Jefferson counties, and 40 received significant damage. Many of the latter are farm homes scattered throughout the area. The loss of outbuildings and machinery has completely shut down many of these farming operations.

* Platte Center was evacuated for a period of time, but the flood waters have now subsided.

* A large number of farmers are experiencing difficulty either because they have not yet been able to plant because of wet weather and debris in the fields, or because the storms have destroyed what had been planted.

Orphan Grain Train is preparing to ship a trailer loaded with washers and dryers and furniture to meet the needs of flood and tornado victims.

The need for a Sudanese translator in Lexington was supplied through Rev. John Deang.

Lutheran Family Services is investigating how to expedite counseling for stressed farmers and ranchers.

The ability to provide vouchers may ultimately be the best way to meet many of these needs. In order to make this possible, monetary gifts may be sent to
Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska
Attn: Disaster Response
124 South 24th Street, Suite 230
Omaha, NE 68102

More information on response efforts will be passed along as it becomes available.

Blessings,
Nichole Hetz
Nebraska District LCMS
Director of Communications and Events
1-888-643-2961
nicholeh at ndlcms.org<mailto:nicholeh at ndlcms.org>
www.ndlcms.org<http://www.ndlcms.org/>

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