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An unpublished article I wrote about observing the recovery efforts in Dekalb County, Ala. An example of the importance of communication, the press, and other forms of media in times of crisis.
Destruction ends, recovery begins in Dekalb County
Devin Kennamer
On April 27 a string of tornadoes ravaged the South leaving behind a trail of damage and more than 300 deaths. In Dekalb County, the National Weather Service reported than a half-mile wide EF-4 tornado wreaked havoc for 16 miles through the communities of Fyffe, Rainsville, Sylvania and Henagar, Ala. This was only one of 312 tornadoes that tore across the South on April 27. The storm killed more than 30 people and destroyed many homes and businesses in its deadly path.
In Rainsville, local businesses and restaurants such as Huddle House and Katy’s Katfish were destroyed or sustained major damage. Plainview High School stood in the middle of the destructive path and received extensive damage. All Dekalb County schools, including Plainview have been closed until further notice.
In spite of the massive loss and destruction that travelled through Dekalb County, the locals have been inspired to reach out and assist victims. The Hamilton family gathered outside of Mountain View Baptist Church in Sylvania offering hot meals, water, and support to victims and relief workers along County Road 27. Mountain View’s church building was completely destroyed in the tornado. Pastor Brian Harris said, “This is just a building, the church is the people.” Harris said that no members of the church lost their lives, but four families lost their homes. “We want to get the church built back, but right now we’re worried about the community, building it back, and comforting them,” Harris said. Mountain View held a worship service on May 1 in the parking lot in front of the debris that was once their sanctuary. Harris said that the church will meet at Broadway Baptist Church in Rainsville until they are able to rebuild.
Others feel compelled to help heal their community in other ways. Garan Tinsley, a student at Northeast Alabama Community College is organizing a benefit concert for families of Dekalb and Jackson counties that were affected by the storms. Tinsley said he got the idea after music helped put him in a more positive mood after the continual sad news pouring in after the storms. “Music in general is an escape for people, and I thought what better way to help this community than to provide that escape while raising money for the families affected by the storm,” Tinsley said. The event has been named “Voices for Dekalb” and will take place on May 28. Tinsley said that and official venue will be announced at a later date, and that more than 500 people have committed to attending the benefit on Facebook.
These examples of eagerness to help others are echoed throughout the state and have not gone unnoticed. Governor Robert Bentley toured the damage and destruction throughout Dekalb County on May 1. He made remarks at Mountain View Baptist Church and spoke highly of the response from the citizens of the state. Bentley said, “the people of Alabama love each other and we take care of each other.” Bentley encouraged those in attendance to continuing helping each other, “we’re going to get through it, and we’re going to do it together.”
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