According to a report from the Associated Press four people were killed and many homes destroyed early Saturday morning in south Hattiesburg and in Petal, Mississippi. One tornado was on the ground near U.S. 49 and Highway 11 and traveled south.
The Rev. Ben Robertson, chairperson of the diocesan Disaster Preparedness and Response Team (DPRT) sent out an email to all clergy in the diocese reporting that both the Rev. Susan Bear, the Rev. Marian Fortner, and the Rev. Alex Allain, and their families, are well. Bear and Fortner reported no damage to personal property, and Ascension Church and Trinity Church are not involved in the damage.
To help with relief to those who need help Robertson said, “checks can be sent to either ‘Rector’s Discretionary Fund,’ Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 3600 Arlington Loop, Hattiesburg, Ms 39402, or ‘Rector’s Discretionary Fund, Trinity Church, P.O. Box 1483, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
State Representative Toby Barker posted on Facebook that a clean up efforts will begin tomorrow in areas that have been cleared by utility and public safety crews. Those interested may meet 12:00 p.m., 305 Emerald Lane, behind PoPa’s Donuts on Broadway. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves, heavy trash bags and plastic ponchos along with whatever tools available.
Barker wrote that Stacy Ahua may be contacted for more information at 601-434-1680.
The Rev. Ben Robertson said the DPRT would do its best to keep the diocese updated on the relief efforts in the Hattiesburg area and asked for prayers for all those affected.
