How MDS is responding to the recent surge of tornadoes, floods and fires

BY: BRIAN PIPKIN

AKRON, Pa. —The word temporary is good news in the context of natural disaster. It gives a conclusion to an unfortunate event. For those who were impacted by the recent wave of floods, fires and tornadoes in the United States and Canada, the word “temporary” serves as good news that loss, anger, and depression have an end.  

MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) is currently investigating, coordinating, and responding to the recent tornadoes, floods and fires that continue to devastate families and damage homes in Arkansas, North Dakota, Minnesota, Mississippi, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas and parts of Canada. 

Jerry Klassen, MDS Disaster Response Coordinator, reports that more than 60 MDS volunteers traveled from neighboring communities to replace tin roofing on at least six barns in Nashville, AR. Those impacted by the recent tornadoes in other parts of the United States such as Magee, MS and Murfreesboro, TN can be assured that “local MDS folks from the surrounding areas are responding” states Klassen.

Ted Hostetler, MDS volunteer in Arkansas, reports that MDS volunteers are going door to door assessing needs.

Things are not looking much better in Fargo, ND.

The Red River continues to pose a great risk for surrounding communities. Wilbur Litwiller, MDS Regional Director, said authorities expect the river to crest near Fargo upwards of 40 feet. Litwiller reports that MDS volunteers “continue to sandbag and wait to see what the river does, how fast the snow melts, and if more rain is expected in the forecast.” MDS volunteers from Minnesota are on standby if more people power is needed in the sandbagging effort. “The greatest threat now is warm weather” said Litwiller.

The Red River flood has made its imprint on Canada as well. Like Fargo, a second crest is expected. 

“The Red River and the Assiniboine River, which meet in downtown Winnipeg at the Forks, are expected to crest simultaneously reports Ron and Elaine Enns, MDS Canada Region Directors. “Many of the houses and farms surrounding the river have become isolated although they remain dry.”

Fifty students from Canadian Mennonite University also assisted in the sandbagging effort. MDS had well over 100 volunteers responding to the Red River flood in Canada. 

While Fargo, Winnipeg, and surrounding areas are dealing with too much water, Oklahoma is dealing with massive fires that continue to spread.

Bill Mast, MDS Unit Area Coordinator for Oklahoma, reports that the fires reached within four miles of his house. “At least 100 homes completely burned to the ground,” he said. Although the investigation is still underway, it looks like the fires are destroying homes mostly in upper scale neighborhoods where people will most likely have insurance and the resources to rebuild. For now, MDS volunteers are on standby waiting to see how they can assist in the clean up effort.

Recently, MDS has had the opportunity to sign up and train more ERT (Early Response Teams). These teams are self sustained mobile response units that are responsible for the initial clean up phase for anyone, insured or uninsured. “The recent ERT trainings have paid great dividends,” said Klassen. “Empowering people is what makes disaster response a reality.”

While the destruction of disasters are short lived, response is also long-term. A short-term response for many who lost their homes would only clean your yard, but not rebuild your house. It would give you a cold drink, but not a faucet.

MDS volunteers are doing their best to shorten this unfortunate experience by responding to long-term needs. While the fires continue to burn and the river continues to flood, survivors and disaster responders can be assured that there is good news in temporary.