Severe Weather in Michigan Destroys Nearly 50 Homes, FEMA Crews Assessing Damage

Last week, severe weather wreaked havoc in southwestern Michigan's Kalamazoo County, resulting in the destruction of nearly 50 homes and causing serious damage to dozens more, as revealed by local authorities on Monday.

According to the county's emergency management office, the devastation included the loss of 24 mobile homes near Portage. The National Weather Service confirmed the occurrence of four tornadoes in the region on May 7, with one hitting the Kalamazoo area, located 140 miles west of Detroit. The tornado was classified as an EF-2, with wind gusts ranging from 111 mph to 135 mph, just one mile per hour short of being categorized as an EF-3. This destructive force left approximately 28 people seeking refuge at a local shelter while their homes were rendered uninhabitable.

Government Response

In response to the calamity, crews from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were set to arrive in southwestern Michigan to assess the extent of the damage. Mike Corfman, the emergency director of Kalamazoo County, issued a statement acknowledging the traumatic nature of the event and expressed gratitude for the community's collective efforts to aid in recovery.

Efforts are being made to secure longer-term sheltering for the displaced individuals, given the irreparable damage sustained by their residences. The local authorities continue to provide support to the affected residents during this challenging period, aiming to facilitate the process of collective recovery for the community.