ShelterBox ready to support US storm response

ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) members Wayne Robinson (US) and Mike Freeman (US) are in Tuscaloosa, Alabama offering their assistance after tornadoes and storms devastated the city. 

They are two highly experienced SRT members who have worked in disaster zones around the world. Wayne Robinson was part of the first team ShelterBox sent to Haiti after the January 2010 earthquake while Mike Freeman has only recently returned from Japan after March’s earthquake and tsunami. 

Ever since the tornadoes and storms swept through the southern States, ShelterBox and ShelterBox USA have been liaising closely with government officials, regional responders and Rotarians to offer assistance. 

Emily Sperling, ShelterBox USA President, said: ‘We’ve reached out to agencies, government responders and our Rotary friends in Alabama to offer them assistance. 

‘Southerners are very resilient and amazing people. Our thoughts are with them and we’re wishing them the comfort and peace they deserve.’ 

ShelterBox Head of Operations, John Leach, added: ‘While it appears needs are being met locally we’re sending a small Response Team into Alabama to assess the situation, volunteer wherever they’re needed and lend their experience and knowledge of disaster relief to the authorities heading up the response.’ 

More than 30,000 people have registered for assistance since the storms struck. The storms caused chaos across Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Alabama was the worst hit state and Tuscaloosa, home to more than 90,000 residents and the University of Alabama, was the worst hit city. 

A tornado, which some estimated as being a mile wide, tore through the city last Wednesday. Weather experts say it could have been the worst in the state’s history.