“Celebrating the Church of the Brethren’s 300th Anniversary in 2008″
(April 30, 2008) — Brethren Disaster Ministries has issued an update on the latest tornadoes that were reported in Virginia on April 28. Virginia emergency management officials reported that late afternoon tornados struck in Suffolk and Colonial Heights. The storms damaged and destroyed businesses and homes as well as injuring more than 200 people.
Brethren Disaster Ministries has been assessing the situation and continues to be in contact with the Virlina District Disaster Coordinator and others living closer to the affected area of Suffolk, Va. Sources from Ivy Farms Church of the Brethren have reported that the area affected is relatively affluent and will likely have few unmet needs.
One shelter was opened in a high school where approximately 40 residents were staying while officials attempt to find housing for them. Thus far there has not been a need to deploy Childrens Disaster Services volunteers. There have been no reports of Brethren members suffering damage from any of the storms, however Brethren Disaster Ministries will continue to monitor the situation along with the Virlina District.
–Zach Wolgemuth is associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, which is a program of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
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The Church of the Brethren Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. To receive Newsline by e-mail go to http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/newsline. Submit news to the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. For more Church of the Brethren news and features, subscribe to “Messenger” magazine; call 800-323-8039 ext. 247.