Samaritan’s Purse Rushes Help in the Wake of Deadly Tornados
Boone, N.C., Dec. 11, 2021—This morning, Samaritan's Purse deployed disaster response teams to Mayfield, Kentucky and Monette, Arkansas in response to the deadly tornadoes that spawned overnight. The storm system created widespread devastation across six states. Search and rescue efforts are still underway with the death toll expected to reach between 75 to 100 people.
“We woke up Saturday morning to the horrific news of devastating tornadoes and tragic loss of life across multiple states” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. “Join me in praying for these hurting families—many who have lost loved ones. Samaritan's Purse is on the way to help in Jesus' Name. We want to come alongside these families and help them start to put their lives back together”
Additional assessment teams are also deploying to Tennessee and Illinois to further assess the aftermath of the storm. A Disaster Relief Unit—tractor-trailer stocked with tools and equipment—departed from the Samaritan’s Purse ministry center in Texas today, and additional equipment will follow from North Carolina as soon as the weather system allows. The international Christian relief organization will mobilize teams of volunteers to help families salvage personal belongings, clean-up downed trees, and tarp damaged roofs.
Media Opportunities
- Interview Luther Harrison, vice president of North American Ministries for Samaritan's Purse
- Interview Todd Taylor, manager of U.S. Disaster Relief for Samaritan’s Purse
- Interview disaster response specialists on the ground in Kentucky; beginning 12/12
- High-quality photos and B-roll available upon request
- Media Request Form
Media Contact:
- Alyssa Benson
Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Rapid Response Team are deploying alongside Samaritan's Purse to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement to families impacted by the severe storms.
For more information about how to help or to volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, go to SamaritansPurse.org.
Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations—especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.
