photo by Lynda Dykstra, CRWRC Alumni

Winds of 150 to 200 mph ripped through the downtown area of Goderich, Ontario, last Sunday during a tornado that in just a few minutes time killed one person and injured dozens more. Today both power and gas lines in areas of Goderich remain out, and the historic area of the city center has been declared off-limits due to the level of destruction there.

Town officials are reportedly seeking $5 million in provincial disaster assistance and a declaration of disaster to in part receive funds to help residents who are without insurance.

CRWRC-DRS regional managers Tony and Jennie DeWeerd are working with provincial agencies and other Christian relief organizations to coordinate a possible response and supply volunteers from churches in southern Ontario.

The quaint Lake Huron community of 8,000 residents is stunned but working to collect itself. Some of the destroyed city center includes century-old buildings in the unique urban central square. The tornado, estimated by Environment Canada as an F2 or F3 (of 5) level storm, is the worst to hit the province in five years.

Those interested in assisting with clean-up and debris removal in Goderich through CRWRC-DRS, or for more information, please call 1-800-848-5818.  Trinity Church Goderich is also an active partner in this response.