Idabel tornado victims are getting more help. PSO volunteers went to Idabel to help clear debris caused by the EF-4 tornado.
Arlinda Darst, the PSO’s external affairs manager, said she had never seen anything like it.
“This was probably one of the saddest visual pictures I’ve seen in Southeast Oklahoma, where I grew up and worked my entire career,” says Darst.
The tornado spread debris for miles across McCarten County. Over 100 houses were damaged or destroyed.
“Whole areas where not a single tree stands.
Nearly 300 PSO employees returned to Idabel on Tuesday to help clean up the destruction, Darst said.
“I can say without a doubt that it has been one of the most rewarding days at work since joining the PSO team,” said Darst.
Of the 160 lawsuits filed seeking help, about half remain unresolved, said Matt Rose, a regional disaster officer for the American Red Cross. He said he still has a long way to go in recovery.
“What was most needed was getting cleanup kits and disaster supplies to the community. 7,500 snacks, 7 pallets of water, over 350 tarps and more came in, about 250. I think we’ve distributed rakes and rakes to the community that exceed, just shovel the people out there to help them clean up and get on the right path,” Rose said.
Anyone affected by a tornado can call 1-800-RED-CROSS for help.
If you have an existing case and would like to check the status, please call 785-334-9222.
