Tornadoes and Floods: Weather Takes a Toll on the Natural State

Over the past few months, mother nature has dealt Arkansas its share of natural disasters. Its residents have grown weary of cleanup and rebuilding efforts. Aid supplies are running short and patience is wearing thin.

Early in February, a tornado ransacked the northeastern portion of the state. Many families suffered complete losses of personal property. The damage was severe, but the state banded together in their relief efforts. Every Saturday a group from my church and my school has made the trip to Clinton, the town that sustained the most damage, to assist in the ongoing relief efforts. Cleanup was running smoothly.

Then came the first round of flooding. The torrential downpours seemed never-ending. The water levels rose and towns were covered in water. At least one new island was created. Still, undefeated, groups still continued to aid in the relief effort. Now they had tornado damage and flood damage to deal with.

Just recently, more tornadoes ripped through the natural state. Benton and Little Rock's Cammack Village sustained the most severe damage from this second attack. The Hummer dealership in Benton now looks like your typical junkyard. Cammack Village closely resembles a logging operation. And Arkansas residents grow weary of disastrous weather. Aid supplies and relief efforts are quickly running low.

Now the natural state faces another round of flooding. Lakes and rivers are past capacity and at least one flood gate has been opened. We now wonder how much more natural disaster the state can hold up to. Relief efforts continue, but anyone will tell you that the spirit is just not there. One can only hope that summer will bring dry, sunny days.