A tornado ripped through Perryton, a small city in Texas, on June 15th. With wind gusts of up to 70 MPH, the tornado caused the deaths of three individuals, injured over 100 people, and produced catastrophic damage to infrastructure and property. Prior to the disaster, The United States Storm Prediction Center identified enhanced risk for severe storms in Oklahoma, Kansas, and regions of the Texas Panhandle.
Texas officials are working on passing legislation to enhance the relief efforts while locals are tirelessly repairing and rebuilding the small city. Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed state emergency resources to meet the urgent safety needs of the town, stating in a press release, “We remain ready to quickly provide any additional resources needed over the course of this severe weather event.”
Resources from neighboring counties, cities, and states have been donated to officials in Perryton to provide much-needed assistance to those affected by the sudden tragedy. EMS and fire crews arrived in Perryton to assist the injured. Additionally, neighboring hospitals collectively sent 100 staff members to assist those working at Ochiltree General Hospital in Perryton. Ochiltree Interim CEO Kelly Judice said for CNN, “A few of them took patients to their hospitals, most of the staff just stayed here and worked.”
Multiple tornadoes were reported in the southern region of the United States over the past few weeks, with the tornado in Perryton, Texas being the most severe. The National Weather Service (NWS) shared details of the damages associated with the tornado, including extensive property and environmental damages. Many individuals had to seek shelter for days and lost everything in the disaster. Local officials are currently asking for donations and assistance during the relief efforts.
By Justin Goldberg