Tornadoes sweep through Oklahoma, impact tribal communities
News Video
By Terri Hansen
for Indian Country Today
NORMAN, Okla. – Severe storms and tornadoes swept through Oklahoma Monday May 10, prompting Okla. Gov. Brad Henry to declare a state of emergency in 56 Oklahoma counties.
Seven people are known dead, and numerous injuries are reported. Official damage assessments show a preliminary 30 to 40 homes were damaged, and 40 to 50 homes have been destroyed. Dangerous debris litters the streets. Officials ask that you stay away from damaged areas.
The National Weather Service issued 31 tornado warnings and nine severe thunderstorm warnings May 10, officials said. The agency estimates more than a dozen tornadoes crossed Oklahoma in six hours time Monday.
Norman officials think at least two tornadoes tracked through Norman.
Jeff Harjo, executive director of the Norman-based Native American Journalists Association, drove past the Absentee Shawnee tribal store, clinic and casino located 15 miles east of Norman the morning of May 11.
“The convenience store is closed and the clinic is closed, and it appears the store and clinic roofs are damaged,” said Harjo. He said his calls to the tribal offices are going to their answering machine.
“I have heard that houses [in the Seminole housing addition south of Seminole, Okla.] have damaged roofs,” said Harjo. “I have not been able to confirm the extent of the damage.” He said the tribal complex of the Seminole Nation, farther east of the area that was damaged is intact, as is Mekusukey Mission south of Seminole, Okla.
Linda Day, Emergency Management Director for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe told James Morales with the volunteer agency Native Hoop, Inc. May 11 that their tribe currently has officers out trying to access the damage to determine how much is needed.
Officials and Norman Emergency Management personnel are assisting Norman residents and are conducting damage assessments. Damage reports should be forwarded to NormanEOC@NormanOK.gov or call 405-292-7008.
The American Red Cross has shelters set up, and is asking anyone who needs assistance to call 405-321-0591.
Power companies’ estimate 7,000 to 9,000 homes and buildings are without power. Officials are asking residents to conserve water, including a mandatory ban on outside watering and sprinklers.
“Lives and property have been lost, and our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are suffering because of these storms,” Gov. Henry told reporters. “The response of emergency management officials and first responders has been exemplary. We are ready to do whatever it takes to help victims of these storms rebuild and recover.”
Counties included in the state of emergency are: Alfalfa, Atoka, Beaver, Blaine, Bryan, Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cleveland, Coal, Comanche, Cotton, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Harper, Haskell, Hughes, Jefferson, Johnston, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, Love, Marshall, Mayes, McIntosh, McClain, Murray, Muskogee, Noble, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Payne, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Rogers, Seminole, Sequoyah, Stephens, Tillman, Tulsa, Washita and Woodward. Neighborhoods near Choctaw have restricted access.
Other counties may be added to the declaration as conditions warrant.
Renee Hood, director of the Office of Environmental Protection for the tribe, said a donation account has been set up. Donations may be sent to: ASTI, PO Box 247, Tecumseh, Okla. 74873.
For more information check NOAA’s U.S. Severe Weather Blog, which will be updated as more information and time to post become available. Given the local nature of the event, information may be obtained quickly, but time may be at a premium.
