Experiencing the tornado
Appomattox man gives firsthand account of devastation and relief efforts
When a natural disaster strikes, the surrounding communities face the devastating realities of loss and brokenness. When tornadoes hit parts of Virginia on Wednesday, Feb. 24, the community of Appomattox, Virginia rallied together to restore their county.
Relief — Several local churches brought help to families who experienced loss. Photo credit: Leah Seavers
Ishmael Labiosa experienced the devastation of the recent tornado but has also been a part of the restoration of the community. Labiosa has lived in Appomattox with his wife and four sons for five years and attends Liberty Baptist Church located on Church Street. Labiosa is also the director of communication for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) of Virginia, an organization that has been involved with Appomattox relief efforts since the tornado struck.
Labiosa was driving to Concord, Virginia with his family when he heard an announcement on the radio about an approaching tornado. However, after seeing lightning in the distance, he decided to head back toward his home. Labiosa said after he had stopped at a bank on his way home, he saw an official tornado warning alert on his phone.
He noticed the wind getting stronger and the rain getting heavier, so he took his family across the street to a CVS for cover. Although the tornado did not touch that area, Labiosa said he saw the effects of the tornado closer to his home.
Rebuilding — Volunteers met at relief headquarters at Evergreen Baptist Church. Photo credit: Leah Seavers
Labiosa’s house is located approximately 4 miles from where the tornado hit. Although there was temporary flooding around their house, there was no internal flooding or wind damage that impacted their home.
Labiosa said the SBC disaster relief volunteers, along with several other churches and relief organizations, responded and assessed the needs in Appomattox.
“Volunteers have been putting tarps on damaged rooftops,” Labiosa said. “Our debris removal teams have gone into these locations to remove fallen trees (and) scattered items around properties. … We (also) have portable showers and toilets.”
Labiosa said there are ways for others to get involved and help respond to the damage caused by the storm.
“Of course we are asking for prayers,” Labiosa said. “Also we are having to collectively organize manpower because there is just not a lot of room to move around with so many people. So we are strategically signing up people with times and locations so it doesn’t get out of hand.”
Remains — Residents hold on to hope. Photo credit: Leah Seavers
According to Labiosa, the SBC of Virginia is encouraging financial donations for Appomattox disaster relief so those affected can buy food and clothing.
Although progress is being made, Labiosa said this will be an ongoing project.
“As we are helping them with food … clothing and shelter, we are also sharing the gospel with them,” Labiosa said. “We are making sure these folks at least get the opportunity to hear that God loves them … even though this a hard time and … the storm did a lot of destruction. There is still hope.”
Foley is the asst. news editor.