Amateurs on the Scene at Tornado-Stricken Town
Eau Claire County Emergency Coordinator Rob Indrebo, KB9SDF, is among those assisting in providing communications support for the tornado-stricken town of Ladysmith. [Jim Staatz, KG9RA, Photos] |
NEWINGTON, CT, Sep 4, 2002--An Amateur Radio Emergency Service team is on the scene in the northwestern Wisconsin community of Ladysmith, which was devastated by a tornado on Labor Day. ARRL Wisconsin Section Manager Don Michalski, W9IXG, reports that the first wave of ARES volunteers arrived in the Rusk County town of nearly 4000 inhabitants at 10 PM Monday, within hours of the tornado.
Reports indicated that the tornado arrived with little or no warning. "We were lucky that this hit on a holiday, when the business district was closed," Michalski remarked. The Ladysmith tornado was one of four that touched down in the Badger State on Labor Day, but it was, by far, the most damaging. Gov Scott McCallum has declared a state of emergency in Rusk County. Gov McCallum toured Ladysmith on September 3.
The Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Fire Department building was one of those suffering damage. [Jim Staatz, KG9RA, Photos] |
Jim Staatz, KG9RA, reports that members of the Eau Claire Amateur Radio Club and the Tri County Repeater Association have been providing communication support for the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. In addition, Paul Brooten, KB9TYC, of the Tri County Repeater Association reports that the Barron County American Red Cross Amateur Radio Club and the NORWESCO ARES/RACES team from Washburn County also have been involved in assisting the relief organizations.
The Red Cross and The Salvation Army opened a shelter at a high school in Bruce. A toll-free number for people inquiring about family members has been set up. It's 800-837-6313.
The tornado drove this piece of lumber through the windshield of a US Postal Service vehicle. |
The Salvation Army reports that its emergency disaster relief personnel immediately went into action following the tornado that also left hundreds without shelter and thousands without electricity. "Two Salvation Army canteens have been roving the area offering aid, including meals and crisis counseling, to residents and relief workers," a Salvation Army news release stated. The Salvation Army said it also was providing residents with vouchers to replace prescriptions, clothing and other necessary items lost in the tornado.
Information from Wisconsin Emergency Management forwarded by Mack Brophy, N9NTB, indicates that the severe weather moved across Wisconsin also spawned two tornadoes in Marathon County--one in Brokaw, near Wausau, and one near Athens--as well as in the Fond du Lac County town of Brandon. Wind damage was reported several other communities.
One of the many structures damaged or destroyed in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, by the Labor Day tornado, which badly damaged a church and toppled the town's water tower. |
Wisconsin Emergency Management reports that the tornado that hit Ladysmith cut a swath some 14 to 16 blocks long and 2 to 4 blocks wide, destroying numerous businesses and homes. There were no reports of fatalities. Approximately 60 people were injured. Most were treated and released. Search and rescue operations continued throughout Monday night. Crews have been working to restore power, and all roads are open at this time.
The Wisconsin Emergency Management Mobile Command Center also was at the scene.