On Dec. 9, severe storms hit Tennesee and parts of south-central Kentucky, resulting in strong tornadoes that left significant destruction in the two states and resulted in at least six deaths in Tennessee. Among those killed were two young children.

Thousands of Tennesseans now face displacement as the holidays approach. Clarksville, one of the hardest-hit areas, witnessed heartbreaking stories, including three deaths in Madison due to a mobile home rolling on another home. The mayor there said the damage is indescribable and emphasized the need for assistance in clearing neighborhoods and providing essential services.

None of the areas in which the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth live and serve were heavily impacted, but the storms are reminiscent of the December tornadoes that tore through Kentucky just two years ago. Many families are still rebuilding and recovering from those storms.

Sister Luke Boiarski, Director of the Lay Mission Volunteer Program, was among those who responded to the 2021 disasters. She said she has been receiving updates from a companion in Tennessee regarding the latest storms, and the program will look into the possibilities of where volunteers could help with disaster relief or rebuild efforts in the future.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth extend their prayers and deepest sympathies to all impacted by these violent storms.

Source: https://nazareth.org/

Photo credit: CNN News. An aerial view of damaged homes a day after a tornado hit Madison, Tennessee.