The Red Cross is providing food, shelter and emotional support for the people whose lives have been disrupted by the tornadoes that devastated neighborhoods in Missouri, Minnesota, and other parts of the Midwest. In addition, Red Cross is providing on-going disaster relief to those affected by earlier spring storms and tornadoes.

Kansas
On Saturday, May 21, a series of tornadoes swept through the state with damaging winds and hail statewide. The City of Reading in Lyon County was hardest hit by tornado damage. Extensive damage has to homes and buildings were reported and the City of Reading is without power.
Minnesota
Over the weekend, tragic storms ripped across Minneapolis affecting many communities. Multiple tornado touchdowns were reported in Washington County. It is estimated 20,000 customers are without power.
Missouri
A series of tornadoes touched down in Joplin destroying homes, buildings and a hospital. The damage caused gas leaks and fires leaving many residents without communication or power and prompted evacuations on Sunday, May 22nd. Multiple injuries have been reported.

Red Cross Response Update:
•    Red Cross workers opened shelters in the damaged areas within hours and provided people with food and water and a safe place to stay.
•    Red Cross emergency response vehicles in Missouri responded immediately and more vehicles are on the way to help distribute food, water and relief supplies in the affected neighborhoods.
•    Red Cross workers are being deployed and relief materials, including personal hygiene items like toothbrushes and shampoo, tarps, coolers, rakes and other clean-up supplies, are now being sent to Joplin, Missouri.
•    Trained health services and mental health workers are enroute to areas affected by the tornadoes to help people cope in the aftermath of these tragic storms.

People should register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website to let loved ones know they are safe. They can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). People in the affected areas can list themselves as “safe and well” on the site. Friends and family outside the disaster area can then search for messages from their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address.

If you would like to help with the efforts in the South and Midwest, you can make a tax- deductible financial donation:
•    Online at www.redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
•    Mail your donation to: American Red Cross, PO Box 37243, Washington DC 20013.

If you would like to make a bulk in-kind donation of products that are expressly needed on a disaster relief operation, such as bottled water, toiletries and food products, please contact us first to find out our specific needs. Donors will also need to provide the shipping or transportation of bulk items to a designated site. Smaller donations are not accepted for this disaster.

Interested volunteers require disaster training prior to helping out on a disaster. If you are interested in volunteering for disaster services, please check our website under "Volunteer" for more information.

You can help people affected by disasters, like tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter.


The information in this report is compiled from a number of sources including the American Red Cross, FEMA, and other U.S. Government agencies. The American Red Cross strives to provide the most accurate and timely information possible; however, all information should be considered conditional until audited information is available.