HICKMAN — After devastating storms hit Fulton County on March 9, Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers, in partnership with West Hickman Baptist Church, joined an effort to rid the area of uprooted trees and scattered debris.

A chainsaw team, a heavy equipment team, and a chaplain were deployed on Mar. 14. They returned home on Mar. 17

Roads have been cleared and power restored after two tornadoes touched down in west Kentucky March 9, but a mess remains.

“As Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief, we’re always glad to respond wherever there’s a need, but I think particularly, when it’s our neighbors here in Kentucky, we always want to be responsive to those needs,” Director Coy Webb said.

Webb noted that because of the time of year these storms happened, an element of surprise was added to the devastation.

Webb continued, “I think these kinds of storms are always about loss. Fortunately, people didn’t lose lives, but they have significant loss in their lives and are trying to replace that.”

Disaster Relief’s goal is always to bring practical help and, hopefully, healing will come from that help, he said. “We certainly to share the love of Christ because we know that makes all the difference, whatever crisis we’re facing in life.”

The National Weather Service said an EF-1 and an EF-2 tornado, with winds up to 125 mph, swept through the region March 9. About 30 homes and businesses in Hickman, Ky., were damaged. No one was injured, authorities said.

Sections of highways were closed where the storm brought down power lines and utility poles. One section was shut down due to high water. Power outages forced Fulton County Schools to cancel classes last Friday.

About 80 inmates at the Fulton County Detention Center were temporarily relocated to neighboring correctional facilities because of roof damage. The Fulton County Highway Maintenance Facility was also among the buildings believed to have been struck by a tornado. (WR/KBC)