Dallas, Texas (June 16, 2023) – The Salvation Army has deployed Emergency Disaster Services staff to Perryton, TX, after a powerful tornado stuck the Texas Panhandle city on Thursday afternoon.

After several days of severe weather in the area, a large and destructive tornado touched down around 5 PM on Thursday afternoon and was estimated to be on the ground for approximately eight miles. Three people are confirmed dead and dozens more injured. More than 30 homes have been destroyed and much of the downtown area, including the city hall, has sustained significant damage.

Salvation Army staff from Dallas, Wichita Falls, and Amarillo are deploying to Perryton. They will work with local Service Unit volunteers to provide practical support and continue damage assessment in the area, located 115 miles NE of Amarillo, close to the Oklahoma border.

“The mobile kitchen and a team from Wichita Falls will be going to Perryton to provide practical support to first responders and residents,” said Alvin Migues, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army in Texas. “We are working closely with local emergency managers and city officials as damage and needs assessment continues in the area and plan to begin serving meals from the mobile kitchen once it is safe to do so.”

Salvation Army Service Unit volunteers will also provide essential support for any response effort. With close to 150 active Service Units all across Texas, these committed volunteers prove invaluable support throughout the year, and particularly during times of disaster response. Local volunteers are well connected in their local communities and make it possible for The Salvation Army to deliver services in every zip code in the state.

“The tornado caused major destruction in the city, and in some way has impacted everyone in the community,” said Migues. “We’re also sending trained Salvation Army Emotional and Spiritual Care staff to Perryton. They will be there to listen, support, encourage and pray with storm survivors. This is an important part of The Salvation Army’s ministry.”

For more information on The Salvation Army’s current disaster response efforts or to make a donation, go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.