On Easter Sunday, April 12, storms ripped through the state. No tornadoes were reported but straight-line winds reaching 70-110 mph were recorded throughout the state as the line of storms raced off to the east.
Southeast Arkansas was hit the hardest with many losing power. Entergy could not report when power would be fully restored as the damage to utility poles was extensive.
Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief deployed to the area of Helena/West Helena as that seemed to be one of the hardest areas hit. Mayor Kevin Smith and Phillips County Judge Clark Hall asked them for help. Chainsaw recovery teams from the Tri-County Association, Corners Chapel, First Clarksville, Beckspur, and Arkansas Valley have all been deployed in the area. The Forrest City feeding unit will help feed residents of Helena/West Helena, and the Tri-County shower/laundry unit will also be available for volunteer use.
Additionally, the water treatment plant lost power and is a vital system for the community. Disaster Relief has brought in one of their large generators to help power the plant so it can continue to run safely.
White Hall was another area that was seriously impacted. Family Church and the Harmony Association are helping to take care of individuals with damage to their homes and any other needs.
Randy Garrett said that “this is the largest coverage area of destruction that I have seen since I have been a Disaster Relief Director.”
Many in the state have been impacted whether big or small, but Disaster Relief is on the scene assessing damages and serving local communities. We kindly ask that you pray for the leadership during this time, the many volunteers, and those who have been impacted that they remain safe and healthy as they begin to clean up their communities.