World Renew Responds to Grand Rapids, Michigan Area Tornado

World Renew is responding in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, metro area where an EF-1 tornado touched down and traveled through a southern suburb at around 10:30 p.m., Sunday, July 6. Early Response Coordinators, Rich and Pat Grasman, were deployed by the agency’s Disaster Response Services (DRS) Monday morning to meet with local officials including the Wyoming Chief of Police, as well as the Kentwood Emergency Manager, and to talk with affected residents.

World Renew is responding in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, metro area where an EF-1 tornado touched down and traveled through a southern suburb at around 10:30 p.m., Sunday, July 6.

Early Response Coordinators, Rich and Pat Grasman, were deployed by the agency’s Disaster Response Services (DRS) Monday morning to meet with local officials including the Wyoming Chief of Police and the Kentwood Emergency Manager, and to talk with affected residents.

“Early estimates show at least 50 homes are unlivable,” said Rich Grasman. “Some areas look like a war zone.” The Grasmans visited Ideal Park Christian Reformed Church whose grounds received some tree damage and where The Salvation Army has a food and water truck available to serve those in need.

“Power outages are extensive and it looks like it’s going to be a while before power is turned back on,” Grasman said.

Family and friends are helping to remove trees from yards and homes, and utility vehicles are busy clearing debris from public spaces. The tornado uprooted trees, downed power lines, and damaged residences and places of business. Many roads are yet closed.

“We are in the process of determining when and where we can send Rapid Response volunteers to do debris clean-up for those who need help,” says Ron Willett, World Renew DRS director. “We are in contact with both Christian Reformed and Reformed Churches in the affected area and plan to help as needed.”

For more information about the World Renew DRS, go to worldrenew.net/drs.

To arrange an interview about DRS tornado response, call World Renew director, Andrew Ryskamp, at cell 616-498-0816 or call Ron Willett, World Renew DRS director at cell 616-295-2653.