Disasters

Multi-State Tornadoes May 2025

A major tornado outbreak from May 16–19 has caused widespread devastation across multiple states, with significant impacts in Missouri, Kentucky, and Kansas.  Resulting in at least 31 fatalities across multiple states, with Kentucky and Missouri experiencing the most severe impacts. Our team is communicating with church leaders and partners who are already on the ground assessing these listed communities and we will keep this page updated with the latest.

Over 850 tornadoes have been reported in the U.S. so far this year, surpassing the average of 600 by this time in May. NCPR Story

Tornado/Flooding April 2025

This past week, powerful storms system unleashed severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, across the central United States, impacting multiple states from Texas to the Midwest. The system resulted in significant destruction, loss of life, and displacement of residents. ​Reuters

The Heartland has once again been targeted and now that the threat of tornadoes has been reduced, flooding is a major concern for communities in Kentucky like Hopkinsville.  Assessments are taking place at this time and we have already and will continue to see a strong response from national partners to support these communities.  All will be listed as available through the map and Information resources below.

Southeast Asia Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake March 2025

On March 28, 2025, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Southeast Asia, causing widespread devastation across multiple countries. The epicenter was located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Rescue operations are ongoing and partner organizations are responding. Efforts are hampered by damaged infrastructure and ongoing aftershocks.

Casualties and Damage:

• Myanmar: The earthquake resulted in over 3,600 fatalities and over 4,850 injuries. The city of Mandalay experienced extensive destruction, with buildings, bridges, and dams severely damaged.

• Thailand: In Bangkok, the tremors caused the collapse of a 30-story office tower under construction, leading to 18 deaths and leaving 78 people missing.

• China’s Yunnan Province: The quake was felt in Yunnan, causing injuries and damage to hundreds of homes.

South Texas Flooding March 2025

The Rio Grande Valley is reeling from a record-setting rainstorm that brought catastrophic flooding across multiple counties on March 27th-28th, including Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy. Four fatalities were reported. (source) Latest data: Over 5,100 reports of damage. Stats: 25 destroyed, 1400+ major, 2,850+ minor, 780+ affected.

2,350+ requests for cleanup assistance. (2,000 general cleanup, 1,400 debris removal, 1,300 muck out and 300 tarping, 200 chainsaw and 200 heavy equipment.)

Wild Fires in Carolinas March 2025

Both North and South Carolina were battling multiple wildfires that have collectively scorched thousands of acres, leading to evacuations. In SC the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County has expanded to approximately 4,556 acres, while the Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville County has grown to about 1,553 acres, both fueled by dry conditions, strong winds, and millions of downed trees from Hurricane Helene. Evacuation orders are in place for affected communities, and Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency, implementing a statewide burning ban to mitigate further outbreaks. An information hotline is taking calls from people in the SC area - (864) 467-3428.

Tornado Outbreak March 2025

Multiple states have experienced damaging high winds and 113 tornados (including three EF4s, eleven EF3s and several long-track tornados). In total, over 3,100 homes have been damaged or destroyed by this tornado outbreak that is being called the Pi-Day Tornado Outbreak and is now the second largest tornado outbreak in history. The confirmed tornado/storm death toll is at 38. The 9 states impacted so far are Missouri, Illinois, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Louisiana, Indiana, resulting in widespread damage. 5 states have declared a state of emergency (Oklahoma for fires).  The latest report from Poplar Bluff, MO was 300-500 homes damaged or destroyed, and over 160 homes in Paragould Arkansas. Over 220 separate tornado warnings were issued. We are currently up to 183 miles of tornado damage track from this event.

Multi-State Storms February 2025

Multiple states have experienced heavy rains, winds, flash flooding and at least one tornado.  The states impacted are Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Georgia, resulting in loss of life and widespread damage. The primary area of focus is the flooding is the Appalachian Region. If your organization is responding to the Appalachia area or other regions, please notify Serve Source using the Response Notification. Several partner organizations listed below have mobilized resources.

At least 12 people have died due to powerful storms that caused extensive flooding, washed-out roads, and left thousands without power. The National Guard has been deployed for search-and-rescue missions, and a state of emergency has been declared for KY.  The storm system has disrupted air travel across the region, with thousands of flights delayed or canceled over the Presidents Day weekend. As the storms move out, a surge of Arctic air is expected to bring life-threatening cold temperatures to the northern and central Plains, further compounding the challenges faced by affected communities.

(Fox Weather Story)

California Fires January 2025

The massive Palisades Fire broke out in Los Angeles on January 7th, 2025, prompting mandatory evacuations affecting almost 200,000 people and highway closures. Throughout the week, many more fires broke out, including the Eaton Fire in the foothills of Pasadena on the other side of Los Angeles County. (FOX News Story)

• Palisades Fire (23.4K Acres, 100% Contained, 5,700+ Structures damaged/destroyed) (ArcGIS Map)

• Eaton Fire (14K Acres, 100% Contained, 10K+ Structures damaged/destroyed) (ArcGIS Map)

Tornado Activity December 2024

In December 2024, there were 120 tornadoes reported in the US, significantly higher than the average of 28. A major outbreak occurred between December 26-29, with 86 of the 120 tornadoes, including three EF-3 twisters. This outbreak caused significant damage and fatalities across the Deep South.

Oklahoma City, OK Tornado November 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY – Severe weather swept across portions of Oklahoma late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, leaving behind widespread damage and numerous injuries in the Oklahoma City metro after several tornadoes touched down. The National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma, said that so far, forecasters believe at least seven tornadoes were reported across the region, but that number may be as high as 12 or 13.

Roswell New Mexico Flooding October 2024

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order Monday, declaring an emergency in Chaves County after record-breaking rain led to deadly flooding in the Roswell area over the weekend. Numerous roads in Roswell remain closed Monday after the town's astonishing amount of rainfall, equivalent to half a year's worth, in just a single weekend. The flooding resulted in two fatalities and the rescue of nearly 300 individuals from impassable and inundated roads. (FOX Weather)

Hurricane Response September 2024

From late September to mid-October, our Eastern States have faced two major hurricanes. We’re all witnessing the devastation on the news and want to help. Serve Source connects individuals, churches, and business leaders with meaningful ways to make an impact. Here, you can easily join the effort to bring hope to affected communities. Explore our Response Map and Information Resources for links to verified disaster response organizations and active churches making a difference. Your support and volunteer efforts are urgently needed!  This page is designed to make it easy for you to connect and deliver hope to those in need.

Hurricane Francine September 2024

Hurricane Francine blasts Louisiana with life-threatening storm surge, powerful winds as power outages soar. New Orleans reported gusts of 78 and 76 mph as Hurricane Francine's eyewall came through the city Wednesday evening, while Dulac recorded a gust of 90 mph. (FOX Weather)

NEW ORLEANS – Hurricane Francine barreled into the Louisiana coast Wednesday with destructive 100 mph winds and a dangerous storm surge, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of electrical customers and pummeling the region with several inches of rain, prompting flash flooding emergencies.

The eye of Francine moved onshore at 5 p.m. CT in Terrebonne Parish, bringing hurricane-force winds inland into the southern region of the state near Baton Rouge. (FOX Weather)

Hurricane Debby August 2024

As with many disaster events, it shakes down to community helping community.  This is what we are finding in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby. << Volunteers are Needed >> to support partner organizations who are actively serving the communities of Sarasota, FL, Westfield, PA, and Savannah, GA.  See our 'Active Organizations' below for how you can get connected to support!  If you are leading an operation where volunteers or resources are needed, please share with us RESPONSE NOTIFICATION.

Update: 08/05/2024:  At least five deaths are being attributed to Hurricane Debby as the now-tropical storm continues to slowly churn off to the northeast after making landfall along Florida’s Big Bend region early Monday morning. The Category 1 hurricane made landfall near the community of Steinhatchee around 7 a.m. ET with winds estimated to be around 80 mph, but Debby has since weakened to around a minimal tropical storm. (FOX Weather Story)

Alexander Mountain Fire Colorado July 2024

"The Alexander Mountain Fire in Larimer County grew slowly overnight to around 990 acres on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire forced evacuations throughout the Big Thompson Valley on Monday." (CBS Colorado)

Message from partner Serve 6.8

"I wanted to make sure you knew how we are responding to support our community impacted by the Alexander Mountain Fire. The fire exploded in the Foothills area of Loveland on Monday of this week and has resulted in thousands of homeowners being evacuated. The fire is still actively growing, and it is unclear how long families will be displaced." Mike Walker - Director Serve 6.8 

Here is what SERVE 6.8 and our Church Partners are doing to help:

• Foundations Church in Loveland has been established as an overnight shelter.

• SERVE 6.8 will be conducting a community wide relief supply drive. You can find a list of items needed at the bottom of this email.

• We will be looking for opportunities to support our First Responders.

• And we will be working with Emergency Management to assess the needs of families and will be prepared to provide needed supplies and financial support.

Here is how you can help:

1. We need the following relief supplies:

• Unopened Snack Foods -Granola Bars, Applesauce, Fruit Snacks, Protein Bars, (easy open) Canned Tuna/ Chicken, Crackers, Gatorade, etc

• NEW Hygiene Items- Shampoo/ Conditioner, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, Body Wash/Bar Soap, Combs/ Brushes

• Gently Used Clothing- Men’s, Women’s and Children’s clothing and pajamas of all sizes

2.  You can make a financial donation or check out volunteer opportunities at: serve68.org/disasterresponse

We will keep our Disaster webpage updated and will be posting updates on our SERVE 6.8 Social pages.

Thank you for supporting our community during this critical time! Please join us in praying for safety and protection for First Responders and homeowners in the path of this fire, as well as protection over every home and animal (pets and livestock)at risk.

Park Fire California July-September 2024

The Park Fire burned nearly 430,000 acres and has destroyed or damaged 450 structures largely in Cohasset area, of which 268 were residential.  Samaritan's Purse is currently scheduling Volunteers beginning Friday, September 20, 2024 at 7:30am to Saturday, October 12, 2024.  Details to Support

Hurricane Beryl July 2024

Northwestern Iowa Flooding June 2024

Throughout Iowa help is needed as clean-up efforts are sill underway weeks after June's devastating flood events.  Partners Christ in Action (through August 9th) and Samaritan's Purse (through July 20th) are set up and committed to serving to bring hope. Each organization makes it easy for volunteers to help by providing leadership, safety briefings, food and housing for overnight groups.  Day volunteers are also welcome!  See their link on the Map or Active Organizations tabs below.

6/23/2024: A levee break along Iowa's Rock River early Saturday morning led to a frantic evacuation in the town of Rock Valley in the dark of night as water levels suddenly began rising, flooding parts of town. Six inches of rain in the past three days led to swollen rivers and a levee break in Rock Valley, Iowa, pouring floodwaters into town and triggering urgent evacuations. (Fox Weather) (Governor's Press Release)

South Fork Fire Ruidoso New Mexico June 2024

Claremore/Salina, OK Tornado May 2024

"A tornado caused widespread damage in Claremore late Saturday night into Sunday. First responders are in the process of fully assessing the damage, which includes downed trees, power lines and damage to homes and buildings, officials said. Around 23 people were injured in the storms, 19 were transported to a local hospital, with three of those injuries classified as life threatening, authorities said." Story- NEWS on 6

See Active Organizations below to see full list of Volunteer locations.

Temple, Texas Tornado May 2024

A tornado on Wednesday night led to widespread damage in Central Texas. Temple was hit by an EF-2 tornado injuring dozens and damaging hundreds of buildings. Now reported as an EF-2, this tornado injured 30, damages 500+ buildings in Temple, Texas. Several national disaster response organizations are set up and ready for volunteers.  FOX 4 -Dallas/Fortworth Story

Event Date: May 22, 2024:

TEMPLE, Texas (KXXV) — The City of Temple has issued a disaster declaration following the severe weather that hit the city on Wednesday. 25 KXXV NEWS Story.

Greenfield, Iowa Tornado May 2024

Several partner disaster relief organizations are responding to assess damage in Greenfield, IA after a major storm produced what some are reporting as EF3 tornado

"A series of large, violent tornadoes struck Iowa on Tuesday, causing significant destruction and fatalities in some rural communities and continuing a dayslong severe weather threat across the U.S.  A violent tornado tore through Carbon, Iowa, on Tuesday. Several wind turbines in Prescott, Iowa, were destroyed during a tornado. Widespread damage was also reported in Greenfield, Iowa. Local authorities reported at least three people were killed in the state." FOX Weather

Henderson, LA Tornados May 2024

"On May 13, tornadoes ripped through Acadiana overturning vehicles, battering homes and twisting trees. The mayor of Henderson says he's never seen in that bad in his hometown. Of 1,700 residents, early estimates indicate that up to 90% of them were impacted. Needless to say, there is work to be done and survivors who need HOPE. Join Love Acadiana in bringing it to them this week!" LOVE ACADIANA 

Tallahassee, FL Tornados May 2024

"A ferocious storm system that spawned multiple reported tornadoes brought heavy and widespread damage to Tallahassee on Friday morning, toppling trees onto homes, rendering roads impassible and knocking out power to more than 80,000 area electric customers.

At least one person, a 47-year-old woman who hasn't been identified, was killed in the storm after a tree fell on her home, according to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office." Tallahassee Democrat - News Story

Barnsdall, OK Tornados May 2024

"In the dark on May 5, the strongest tornado to hit the state in 8 years devastated the town of Barnsdall, OK. The damage was so widespread, it could be seen by satellite imagery.  1 fatality confirmed.

The first EF-4 tornado to ravage Oklahoma since 2016, carved a 27-mile path across the state. It tore out trees, homes, and businesses and snapped metal power poles in two. Winds between 165 and 170 mph scarred the earth, leaving just pieces behind what used to be thriving towns. At one point, the devastation stretched almost a mile wide." FOX Weather Story 

Columbia, TN Tornado May 2024

"A tornado touched down in Maury County in eastern Columbia off Bear Creek Pike, resulting in one death, according to Maury County Regional Hospital. Four others were injured after a confirmed tornado by the National Weather Service ripped through eastern Columbia as heavy storms brought hail, rain, high winds and flying debris to other parts of Maury County and Middle Tennessee Wednesday."

Columbia Herald - Story Link

Houston, Texas Storm May 2024

Two major events back to back have local communities and outside organizations working together to bring relief from previous flooding and a storm producing 100mph+ straight straight line winds on 5/16/2024.  With many working parts, we are serving to support local officials, state leaders, church leaders and national disaster response partners.  This will be a developing event page for all activity we are aware of.  VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED  Please see the list of Active Organizations below for details of how you can get involved to support or volunteer!

05/10/2024: Update

After a severe flooding event across Southeast Texas, Serve Source is partnered with Houston Responds and many local/national disaster response organizations to support communities in this area. Below you will find a list of Active Organizations along with a Map Resource to help with the navigation of the areas with the most need. Volunteer groups and individuals are encouraged to click the logo of organizations listed, follow the steps provided and serve with these trusted partners who are set up and ready for volunteers.

Midwest Tornadoes April 2024

04/30/2024: Update 0600

"There have been more than 100 confirmed tornadoes ranging from EF-0 to EF-4 since Thursday, and that number could continue to rise as survey teams from the National Weather Service are still out looking at the damage left behind." FOX Weather (full story).  Tornadoes reported across six states, with most occurring in Nebraska, Iowa and Oklahoma.

• In Nebraska, homes were leveled, buildings collapsed, and hundreds of homes were damaged in the Elkhorn area in the western part of Omaha. Fortunately, no deaths were reported, but there were a few minor injuries.

• In Iowa, video footage showed parts of Minden, about 30 miles northeast of Omaha, completely flattened. 40 to 50 homes were “completely destroyed,” and there were reports of injuries, including one that was “fairly severe but not life-threatening.”

• Shelby County, also in Iowa, experienced damage to about 40 homes, but there have been no reports of fatalities.

• OKLAHOMA, At least 20 tornadoes have been confirmed in Oklahoma during the storms, according to the National Weather Service. The Sulphur, Oklahoma tornado has been classified as an EF-4 tornado with 170 mile per hour winds and extensive damage.

Slidell, LA Tornado April 2024

Reports of 700 homes / 50 businesses have been affected by this F1 tornado in Slidell, LA.  Many disaster response partners and church connections are actively serving in Slidell.  All Active Organizations and information links to help you connect and support the efforts of recovery listed below.

04/10/2024: Update 2100

SLIDELL, LA. — "A tornado that the National Weather Service categorizes as "at least an EF-1," slammed into the southern part of Slidell causing extensive damage and multiple injuries and knocking out power to 26,000 customers Wednesday."  4WWL News Story