Manhattan in long-term phase of disaster relief
Programs aim to provide financial, emotional relief
6:03 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Manhattan — Trash is tossed into bins throughout the Little Apple as people make a big effort to restore the city.
An EF-4 tornado swept through Manhattan last week, resulting with more than $20 million in damages at K-State, in addition to leveling dozens of homes.
Clean-up crews and volunteers are working round-the-clock in the Little Apple, collecting pieces of debris to take to trash bins to discard.
Volunteer and spokesperson Ron Frank says the Red Cross is in it’s second phase of assisting victims.
“We’re really concentrating on disaster assistance, helping people who need financial help,” says Ron Frank, a Red Cross of the Flint Hills volunteer and spokesman.
Photo Gallery
Manhattan Tornado, 6-11-08
Severe weather brought damage to Manhattan Wednesday night. Viewers sent in some great pictures. Take a look.
Last week’s efforts were more about direct assistance, but now it’s more about treating people’s long-term needs, such as money and mental stability.
Though ten families have sought out assistance, Frank expects those numbers to change.
“As the days go on, more people are going to realize, ‘Oh, I need some money. I need some assistance.’ And that’s what we’re here for,” Frank says. “So we’ll see those numbers increase as the days go on.”
David Casper is one resident who was assisted by the community.
“Our home is full of holes, but they’re ripping off the siding from today,” Casper says. “The siding’s on order and it’ll be here next week…It’s a wonderful community and the support that we’ve gotten. Things arrived here the first morning that I didn’t think would get here for days.”
Frank says one of the biggest ways to support the community is by donating to your favorite relief organization, or by volunteering, as officials expect the need to continue for months.
The City of Manhattan is asking for volunteers of all backgrounds to contribute to the area cleanup. Anyone who can help with construction and cleanup are handy, but people who have other skills are welcome to share those, too. You can contact the City of Manhattan at (785) 587-CITY.
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