Bertie County, service organizations working to help tornado victims
WINDSOR, N.C. — Bertie County and a force of service organizations are stepping up to help victims of a tornado on Tuesday that killed two and injured 14 others.
More than 200 homes were damaged by the twister, including 26 that were destroyed. Most of the damage occurred in the Cedar Landing community along Morning Road in an area also known as “The Neck,” according to a news release from Bertie County.
The EF-3 tornado spawned by Tropical Storm Isaias brought winds up to 145 mph and left a path of destruction 600 yards wide and10 miles long, the release said.
Dozens of people lost their belongings. Photos of the damages showed mobile homes smashed into pieces and framed houses ravaged. Large trees, clothing, furniture, broken wood, children’s toys, mattresses and crumpled cars were scattered across the ground.
It’s not certain how many people need help.
“We need to know who was displaced, where they are currently taking shelter, and what their immediate needs are,” Emergency Services Director Mitch Cooper said in the release.
People in need can call the Storm Recovery Hotline at 252-794-6144.
A Morning Road Tornado Relief Fund has been set up at the SelfHelp Credit Union at 302 W. Granville Street in Windsor. Donations will be administered by the county, with 100 percent going toward food, temporary housing and personal assistance for victims, official said.
Monetary donations may be made through the county’s website and Pay Pa l , at paypal.me/BertieStrong. Money also can be sent by mail to ATTN: Morning Road Tornado Relief Fund, PO Box 530, Windsor, N.C. 27983.
Goods may be dropped off at the Bertie Early College High School, 819 Governors Road in Windsor. Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Several organizations also are stepping up to help.
Baptists on a Mission will be serving hot meals, drive thru style, through Friday at Cedar Landing Baptist Church, 426 Cedar Landing Road in Windsor. Lunches will be served from noon to 1 p.m. and dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Other groups include The Samaritan’s Purse, at 252-217-9724, Team Rubicon, at 252-670-9384, The American Red Cross, at 252508-5667, Baptist Men, at 252-5369701and the United Methodist Men, at 336-207-8358.