SITUATION REPORT 2007- 1c
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 31, 2007, 9:00am
Event Type: Tornado
Situation: Recovery operations continue. This involves debris and trash removal, the restoration of utilities, mental health counseling, collection of animals, etc. The Red Cross shelter has closed. Demobilization of assets should be complete by Sunday, April 1. The Preliminary Disaster Assessment was completed on March 30th and the Governor’s Office will be weighing its options. Approximately 2,500 meals have been served since Thursday to the residents and first responders.
Revision on casualties: Eight confirmed injured and one death. Revised damaged figures are: 48 structures destroyed or received major damage with an additional 114 receiving minor damage. Approximately 5,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed.
CDPHE continues to work health-related issues with the local public health agencies involving: asbestos assessment; nursing home patient care and medical supplies; food handling and sanitation/hygiene; solid and hazardous waste, drinking water and waste waster. The Hazardous Materials/Waste Management Team has also joined the effort in dealing with the after effects of the tornado. Approximately 400 tetanus shots have been provided at the local clinic.
The Public Utilities Commission reports that the Southeast Colorado Power, the REA that surrounds the city, is working to restore power. They believe they have the situation under control, and will have power restored to the non-damaged homes and businesses (in both the municipal and REA areas) shortly.
Staff from the Department of Natural Resources are in the region plotting the actual ground track of the tornado, which the National Weather Service has classified as an F3 (in excess of 158mph winds).
Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (COVAD) is on scene to help the residents. The Adventists continue to collect and distribute donations. They are also assisting residents in minor repairs. Other agencies have established specific accounts where financial contributions can be made to help the Town of Holly. COVAD is identifying other agencies/services that can be brought in to assist.
Weather Report: A slight chance of rain showers before noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 60. Northwest wind between 5 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. West northwest wind around 5 mph. Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. West southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. South southwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.
Agencies Involved:
Adventist Community Services Disaster Response,
American Red Cross,
Army Corps of Engineers,
Church of the Brethren (Child Care),
Colorado Department of Education,
Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DEM and DLG),
Colorado Department of Natural Resources,
Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster,
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (Air Pollution Control, Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services, Consumer Protection, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management, Water Quality Control)
Colorado Department of Transportation,
Colorado Division of Mental Health,
Colorado State Patrol,
FEMA Region VIII,
Kansas Department of Transportation,
Prowers County Human Services,
Prowers County OEM,
Public Utilities Commission,
Salvation Army,
SE Colorado Mental Health Services (Crisis Counseling),
Small Business Administration,
Southern Baptist Convention (Chain Saw Crew), and
State Senator Brophy’s Office.
Additional Assistance Requested: Requests have gone out for large “chippers” to help in the disposal of downed trees. At this time, we are looking for donations of equipment and services only.
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.
A community hot-line has been set up for volunteers, donations, and requests for assistants. That telephone number is 719-537-6047.
Besides assisting with the PDA, FEMA Region VIII has also offered to supply additional bottled water, if the need arise.