A devastating wave of storms across the southern and midwestern United States has triggered a large-scale response from Send Relief and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. Tornadoes, dust storms, and wildfires have been linked to at least 40 fatalities. Among them, at least eight deaths resulted from a massive car pileup in Kansas involving over 70 vehicles, according to The Baptist Press.
The severe weather event caused at least 40 deaths across seven states, with 52 tornadoes reported, though assessments are still ongoing. In Oklahoma, wildfires claimed four lives and destroyed hundreds of homes. Volunteers have mobilized to assist survivors across multiple states, including Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Alabama
Calera Baptist Church’s worship center sustained heavy damage, but no injuries were reported. The congregation and volunteers quickly launched cleanup efforts, demonstrating resilience and community spirit. Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief teams are actively working in affected areas, including the West Central Baptist Association, Walker Baptist Association, and Salem-Troy Baptist Association, The Alabama Baptist reported. A mass feeding kitchen unit has been prepared but is not expected to be needed at this time.
Arkansas
Randy Garrett, state director of Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief, told Baptist Press that volunteers have set up a base of operations at Southside Southern Baptist Church in Cave City. Teams are providing meals, showers, and laundry services while coordinating with an incident command team. Chainsaw and recovery crews are also preparing to assist local communities. He emphasized the severity of the storms, stating that they were among the strongest ever to hit Arkansas, with two EF-4 tornadoes reaching winds up to 190 mph. One of the hardest-hit areas was Diaz, where destruction is widespread.
Louisiana
Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams have been actively responding to storm damage. In Kentwood, chainsaw teams, chaplains, and assessors from Franklinton, First Baptist Church Covington, and First Baptist Church Kentwood began relief efforts on March 16. Their work has focused on clearing fallen trees, restoring power lines, and assessing damage to homes.
Mississippi
Communities, including Tylertown and Taylorsville, were hit hard, leaving numerous homes and businesses either leveled or severely damaged. Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief teams have been deployed to three key locations, providing focused aid to affected areas. In Grenada, volunteers based at Emmanuel Baptist Church are assisting with tornado damage in the town of Elliot. In Walthall County, Tylertown Baptist Church is serving as a hub for responders helping residents recover. In Taylorsville, First Baptist Church is hosting teams assisting in Smith County. Assessors and chaplains have already started their work, while chainsaw teams are scheduled to arrive in the coming days.
Missouri
An EF-3 tornado with peak winds of 138 mph tore through Poplar Bluff, causing extensive power outages and destruction. In response, Bluff First Church canceled its Sunday services on March 16 to serve as a distribution and resource center. Volunteers quickly organized drive-thru relief efforts, distributing essentials such as water, food, tarps, and hygiene kits to those affected. Pastor Joshua Pritchett emphasized the church’s long-term commitment to the recovery process, stating that their efforts would not be limited to a single day but would continue as long as needed.
The Convoy of Hope partnered with Bluff First Church to deliver supplies, including industrial trash bags, tarps, and bottled water. Volunteers formed cleanup crews to clear debris from properties in the hardest-hit areas. These teams, consisting of eight to ten people each, helped between 20 and 30 families. Local businesses also played a significant role in recovery efforts. Poplar Bluff Outdoor Power Equipment provided free chain sharpening services to support cleanup efforts. FCC Behavioral Health collected donations of water, clothing, and diapers. Restaurants, including Las Margaritas, provided meals for first responders, while companies like Southeast Signs and Bluff Signs offered equipment and services free of charge to assist in clearing debris.
Oklahoma
Send Relief reported that volunteers are providing more than 2,000 meals per day. Among the casualties was a father who died while attempting to flee the wildfires with his son. The fires, fueled by strong winds, have already destroyed more than 400 homes. Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief teams arrived in Leedey by Saturday to begin meal preparation for first responders.
The Rainy Mountain Kiowa Indian Baptist Church, a historic structure built in 1921, was completely destroyed. The Baptist Messenger reported that the church had been home to a Native American congregation. A GoFundMe campaign is being set up to assist with rebuilding efforts.
As assessments continue, faith-based disaster relief teams remain committed to providing aid, cleanup, and emotional support to those affected by the storms. Volunteers stress that while immediate relief is critical, the road to recovery will be a long-term effort requiring sustained support and collaboration.