On Friday March 14, a powerful tornado blew through downtown Atlanta uprooting trees, tossing cars, and downing utility lines. The tornado, packing winds of 130 miles per hour damaged many of the city’s landmarks including the CNN Center, the Georgia Dome and the convention center. At least 27 people were injured and as of today, many residents are still without power. A state of emergency was declared by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue.
Many homes in the downtown communities of Vine City and Cabbagetown were either damages or destroyed in the aftermath of the tornado. In Vine City, the tornado struck churches and ripped off the roof of a brick apartment building and in Cabbagetown, at least 20 historic homes were demolished. The strong winds caused the collapse of the top floor of a building in the Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts, a 104-year-old industrial complex redeveloped into condominiums.
Episcopal Relief and Development has contacted the Diocese of Atlanta. Assessments are underway to determine critical needs. Episcopal Relief and Development stands ready to respond, and offers prayers of support to all who are suffering as a result of the tornadoes.
Please pray for people affected by this disaster. To make a donation, visit our website at http://www.er-d.org/ and click on “Emergency Relief Fund” or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Emergency Relief Fund”, P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) (3) organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. ERD’s programs work toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
