Press Conference Story

A tornado touched down in Spencopolis this morning, this being the first one since 1982. The city officials gathered for a press conference an hour after the damage had been done.

There have been three confirmed casualties and more than 10 injuries reported. There is an unknown number of missing individuals, as the search and rescue is active and still finding people within the damage. Residents are not expected to evacuate their homes at this time, but first responders have said to be ready and stay ready. The Deputy Mayor, Ella Mcharg, issued a warning to the citizens of Spencopolis: “There is a high chance of more tornadoes, and as we are spread thin and our infrastructure is already damaged, we are probably going to need to evacuate some points.”

Heavy rain is forecasted for the next three days, heightening the risk of mudslides and erosion. Residents have been advised to avoid Spencer Center, downtown Spencopolis, and national parks due to widespread road blockages, fallen trees, and downed power lines. First responders have reported difficulty accessing certain areas, with some firefighters stranded in their station awaiting assistance. “We’re trying to help everyone, including them [the firefighters], get to safety as fast as possible before a new wave hits,” Mcharg stated.

While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, many homes have been destroyed, leaving families stranded. There is currently no estimate of the total cost of the destruction. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials have stepped in, pledging $500,000 in aid to assist affected residents. These funds will be distributed on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the mayor’s office, police, and fire departments. “We’re just trying to make sure everyone is safe,” Brockton Packard, a FEMA officer said. “We are trying to get people to a point where they can continue a somewhat normal life… FEMA is making sure there is temporary housing and resources for those affected.” They are currently working on a hotline for victims to call if needed as well as donation centers within the mayor's office.

There are no plans for repair quite yet as the damage continues to occur with the inclement weather. FEMA and the first responders have been working closely together to map out a plan, but Packard has called the damage “too intense and too soon to tell when things will be back in order.”

If you or your family needs immediate help, please contact 911 and be patient with them as they sort out their resources and how they must use them. There is a supply drive at the mayor’s office accepting donations if you are able and willing to help.