() Residents across several Midwestern states are continuing the damage left behind by deadly storms that claimed at least 28 lives, including 19 in Kentucky, and destroyed homes and other property.
In St. Louis, parts of the city saw little to no impact from the storm, which was felt much greater on the city’s north side, Alderwoman Daniela Velazquez told . But city leaders and others are rallying around those who saw their homes and memories destroyed by the tornadoes. An estimated 5,000 homes around St. Louis sustained damage.
“It’s pretty devastating,” Velazquez told . “People have lost their homes, their lives, their memories.”
Velazquez has been working to collect supplies for St. Louis residents whose homes were in the storm’s path. Among the biggest needs are tarps for damaged homes as more severe weather is expected to move through the region Monday and Tuesday, she said.
Donations such as food, diapers and other goods have been collected and delivered by the truckload to assist storm victims. But Velazquez said that the collection’s focus has shifted to storm preparation as officials and community groups work to prevent more damage from being done to more property.
“Because I can sit in my place of privilege and help, that’s what we’re doing,” Velazquez said, adding, “We’re really focused on what people need in this moment.”
