February 6, 2008

A swath of violent weather swept across the south-central U.S. overnight, killing at least 48 people and prompting rescuers to search for dozens more missing. Reports of tornadoes ripping apart homes, businesses and public facilities abound in Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky.

Arkansas - States of emergency have been declared in Baxter, Izard, Pope, Sharp and Stone Counties. At least 13 have been killed in Arkansas. Regular updates are available at www.adem.arkansas.gov/ .

Tennessee - The Nashville Tennessean reports at least a dozen dead with more missing. Five fatalities were reported in Sumner County, Three people died near Memphis when a shopping mall and a warehouse collapsed, and two deaths have been confirmed in Madison County.

Kentucky - A family of three was killed when a suspected tornado struck their mobile home near Muhlenberg.

Vulnerable communities watch

A better picture of impacted communities will take shape as damage assessments continue. However, Arkansass Pope, Conway and Izard Counties all sustained major damage and have populations well above the federal poverty level.

CWS response

CWS Emergency Response Specialists will begin to reach out to denominational and disaster response partners. CWS is ready to assist with material resources and other support as needed.

Media Contact: Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526; jdragin@gis.net