Cleanup Efforts Ongoing In McCurtain County After EF-4 Tornado

Tornado victims in Idabel are getting more help. Volunteers from PSO went to Idabel to help clear debris caused by an EF-4 tornado.

PSO External Affairs Manager, Arlinda Darst, said she’s never seen anything like it.

“It was probably one of the saddest visual pictures I’ve seen for Southeast Oklahoma where I grew up and have worked my entire career,” Darst said.

The tornado spread debris for miles across McCurtain County. More than 100 homes were damaged or destroyed.

“Entire neighborhoods where there is not any trees standing. They are piled at the curbside and the whole street is lined with a wall of debris,” Darst said.

Darst said nearly 300 PSO employees returned to Idabel Tuesday to help clean up the destruction.

“I can say, by far, that it was one of the most rewarding days at work that I’ve experienced since I joined the PSO team,” Darst said.

American Red Cross regional disaster officer, Matt Rose, said out of 160 filed cases for assistance, about half remain open. He said there is still a long road to recovery.

"Most of the need was the cleanup kits and getting the disaster equipment supplies out to the community. I think we gave out 7,500 snacks, seven pallets of water to the community, over 350 tarps plus more coming in, and approximately over 250 rakes and shovels just to those folks there to help them clean up and get on the right path,” Rose said.

Anyone who has tornado damage can call for help at 1-800-RED-CROSS.

If you have an existing case and want to check the status, you can call 785-334-9222.