Alabama Tornado 2012

The Situation:

A tornado touched down on Jan. 23, 2012, in central Alabama devastating many communities. The area hardest hit was in Jefferson County where five cities (Oak Grove, Center Point, Graysville, Clay and Trussville) declared local emergencies and two individuals were killed. As a result of this storm, over 200 homes were destroyed, loss of power has been experienced and roads are blocked due to power lines being down and trees uprooted.

ELCA Response:

Access the ELCA Disaster Response Blog page.

ELCA Disaster Response has been in communication with people in affected communities in central Alabama.

ELCA congregations and members are already gearing up to respond to those in need. Discussions and evaluations have been made around the ability to respond, shortfalls of resources and emerging needs that are present.

According to Bishop Julian Gordy, bishop of the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, which includes Alabama, “This area was hard hit in Spring 2011 so this storm’s havoc is quite discouraging for the community. [In 2011] the churches and the community deeply appreciated members of the ELCA who lent their hands and supported the response with gifts. We anticipate generous Lutherans will continue to share their love and compassion for those who have sustained destruction and injury so early in the new year".

What you can do:

Pray:

Download prayers, litanies and suggested hymns and songs for use in worship as a way for your congregation to remember those affected by these and other natural disasters.

Give:

Gifts to ELCA Disaster Response help us to provide immediate and effective support to communities in need. Information on different ways to give is provided in the left sidebar. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

Connect:

Subscribe to receive ELCA Disaster Response Alerts.
Visit the ELCA Disaster Response home page frequently.

Return to Disaster Response Home Page

^{Photo Credits: (top right) ELCA/Communications 1/2012}