Oklahoma Baptists Disaster Relief has activated volunteer teams in response to the rash of severe storms and tornadoes that have been decimating communities across the state over the past several weeks.
“Once again, we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we bring help, hope and healing to those impacted by disaster,” said DR Director Jason Yarbrough.
Oklahoma Baptist DR teams have ministered in Sulphur, Ardmore, Marietta, Morris, Barnsdall, Hydro, Bartlesville, Osage Hills, Pryor, Salina, Colcord, and Claremore, as well as helping with clean-up work in Texas following historic flooding across the southern parts of the state.
Before the sun was rising on Sun., May 25, Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers were busy gathering information and coordinating response efforts following a night of severe weather across Oklahoma.
“It appears the most damaging weather started in the Claremore area and continued eastward impacting communities all the way to the Arkansas border and even into Arkansas,” Yarbrough said. “Our chainsaw teams responded initially to help clear roads and then began to help homeowners as the opportunities arose in some of these communities.
Initial reports show that approximately 200 structures/homes were damaged in the Claremore area, with many more to be added from the other communities as assessments are completed.
Claremore, First received heavy damage, as did the youth parsonage at Salina, First.
To coordinate the response, a DR Incident Command Center has been set up at Claremore, Kings Road.
“Assessors and chaplains will be in the area over the next several days visiting with homeowners offering our volunteer services and ministering to them. We have been in an extremely active storm season, and I’m sure our volunteers are tired, but I’m also confident that they will answer the call once again! Also, I have extended the invitation to other state DR directors for teams to come and join us as we help NE Oklahoma.”
Those affected by the storms and needing help may request assistance either by calling 844-690-9198 or visiting okdisasterhelp.org. and filling out the request assistance form.