Heart to Heart International is actively responding to the devastation caused by severe weather across the Southern Plains.
Since March 14, an unprecedented wave of severe weather has wreaked havoc across the Southern Plains and beyond. The Storm Prediction Center has reported 80 tornadoes across Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, and Alabama, with wind speeds exceeding 75 mph and hailstorms producing 2-inch diameter hailstones. Tragically, at least 40 lives have been lost, and thousands more are left grappling with the destruction of their homes and communities.
Read: California Wildfire Response
Widespread Impact Across Multiple States
Wildfires fueled by extreme winds have scorched over 174,000 acres in Oklahoma. Entire neighborhoods have been leveled by EF3 and EF4 tornadoes. Communities are facing severe structural damage, power outages impacting over 115,000 customers, and a growing number of displaced families seeking refuge in emergency shelters.
Governors in Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia, and Missouri have declared states of emergency, activating resources to help residents recover. The hardest-hit areas are still assessing damage, but reports show:
- Alabama – Severe hailstorms and downed trees across multiple counties
- Mississippi – Tornado damage and injuries in Grenada County
- Arkansas – Extensive home damage in Black Rock, Smithville, and Cave City
- Louisiana – 15-20 homes destroyed in Tangipahoa Parish
- Missouri – Significant structural damage in Franklin, Jefferson, and St. Louis Counties
Emergency shelters have opened across multiple states, providing refuge for those displaced by the disaster. Many survivors are staying with family or friends but still need assistance rebuilding their lives.
Read: Hurricane Helene & Milton Response
Our Response and How You Can Help
At Heart to Heart International, we are mobilizing our Disaster Response Team to provide critical medical aid and supplies, including hygiene kits. We are working closely with local partners to assess needs and coordinate our response efforts, which include:
• Distributing hygiene kits: We are sending Hygiene Kits with essential items like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste to help people maintain good hygiene and prevent the spread of disease.
• Essential Relief Supply: We are sending essential relief supplies, including materials to assist with temporary repairs for homes and structures damaged by the severe storms.
We are actively reaching out to local partners to further assess urgent medical needs and mobilize aid. While immediate requests are still developing, our Disaster Response Team is prepared to provide emergency medical aid, hygiene supplies, and other essential relief resources.
Your support can make a difference. Donate now to our Southern Plains severe weather response and help families recover from this disaster.