Dick
The tornado struck about 9:45 p.m. Residents had about 20-30 minutes warning, which kept the death toll so low.
Not everyone has "storm cellars." But nearly everyone in Kansas knows the rules. "Go to a small room in the interior of your house. (This will usually be a bathroom or closet.) Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Stay away from windows. Hunker down. If you can't get under furniture, cover up with heavy bedding, even a mattress if possible."
This tornado's path was unusually wide, about 1.7 miles. I believe it stayed on the ground for about 20 miles. Reports I get from friends and acquaintances indicate that the cleanup is going very well. The town will be rebuilt, though of course it will never be the same. The infrastructure is still there -- streets, water and sewer systems, etc. There has been a generous outpouring of assistance from the likes of FEMA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Samaritans Purse, etc. I heard one person say early on, "Unfortunately, these groups don't seem to work together very well." But I'm sure that was due to the confusion and the difficulty of getting everything coordinated. Many of the victims are still being housed and fed in Haviland.
One interesting sidelight: Several citizens of the town of Greensburg, Indiana have organized a work group which will make the 900-mile trip to assist in the cleanup.
Thanks for your inquiries and your obvious concern.
Joe
