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Situation Report 2007 - 1a - Holly Tornado

Previous SITREPs posted at: http://dola.colorado.gov/dem/operations/sitreps/sitreps.htm
Press Releases posted at: http://dola.colorado.gov/dem/Press/press_releases.htm

Report Date: March 29, 2007, 10:30am

Event Type: Tornado

Situation: At approximately 8:12pm on March 28th, a tornado touched down in the City of Holly (population of 1,048) (Prowers County, Southeast All-Hazards Region). Preliminary reports indicate that 50-60 homes have been severely damaged and unconfirmed reports of eleven people being injured with one possible death. Several injuries are critical and the individuals have been transported to other hospitals.

The Incident Command Post has been established at the High School. The Division of Emergency Management Regional Field Manager is at the scene. Immediate objectives this morning will be to continue search and rescue operations and to conduct initial damage assessment.

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has been in contact with the local nursing home in regards to food temperature (a generator was sent). The schools and daycare are closed, so there are no food issues there. The water system may have been compromised.

Weather Report: Partly cloudy, with a high near 52. North northwest wind around 15 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. North northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Agencies Involved:

• Adventist Community Services Disaster Response
• American Red Cross
• Army Corps of Engineers
• Office of the Governor
• Colorado Department of Education
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
• Colorado Division of Emergency Management
• Colorado State Patrol
• FEMA Region VIII
• Kansas Department of Transportation
• Prowers County
• Public Utility Commission
• State Senator Brophy’s Office

Additional Assistance Requested: The only request to the State is to assist in testing the water system. Mutual aid is being executed.

Misc. Info: Entries are being made in WebEOC on the Duty Officer Position Log (https://webeoc.colorado.gov). The State EOC is not activated at this time.

FEMA Regional VIII has deployed a team to conduct an initial assessment of the situation and to provide advice and assistance to the State.

The PUC reports that approximately 60 houses had their gas lines turned off as a precautionary measure, out of about 500 gas customers. There was meter damage which has been addressed. Atmos is conducting a leak survey of the entire town of Holly to verify system integrity and is on top of the situation.

The Department of Education is reaching out to the Holly School District to see if they need assistance.

The American Red Cross reports that the Pikes Peak Chapter (Colorado Springs, CO) has deployed the ERV to the affected area. They have contacted their volunteer cadre and has a team ready to be moved to the area to delivery mass care services and are assessing capabilities to deliver individual client services. The Chapter will contact Salvation Army for support in feeding operations. The Garden Area Chapter (Garden City, KS) has deployed their ERV and mass care teams to initiate the response. People are congregating in Lamar at the First Baptist Church, 512 Colorado St, Holly. The community is planning on establishing a single shelter for the affected community.