MANY, La. – Community members in South Sabine Parish rally to help their neighbors who were injured or lost homes in a tornado that hit the area on Sunday morning.
Photo courtesy of the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
The cows trapped in the barn have been rescued.
Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office said a family of five were injured when their mobile home was destroyed. At least 15 houses, five barns, two sets of chicken houses and several outdoor sheds and vehicles have been damaged or destroyed so far.
The sheriff’s office and friends shared social media posts that said some of the injured family members were hospitalized. The father, Justin Westfall, was taken to the trauma unit at Alexandria Hospital, where he is being treated for chest and spine injuries, broken ribs, and a fractured sternum. His wife, Alisha Calais Westfall, was not hospitalized; However, their daughter, Kaylee Westfall, was taken to Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport with neck and spinal injuries, and their two younger sons have cuts and bruises.
“There has been an overwhelming and unbelievable amount of support from volunteers and neighbors helping neighbors today,” Sheriff Aaron Mitchell said.
Sheriff’s representatives will be in the area overnight and for the next several days.
Damage is concentrated in the Peason community off State Highway 118. The highway is walkable but is expected to be closed for workers to clear the debris.
Low-hanging power lines are also a concern. SWEPCO workers are repairing the lines.
Photo courtesy of the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Volunteers from across the community are coming together to help. Food such as sandwiches, biscuits, chips, snacks and bottled water are being taken to Pine Grove Church for those helping out. Church does not have power, so food and drink should be taken in coolers.
Sabine Parish Detention Center Inmate Litter Crew is in the area cutting down and relocating trees and debris.
Photo courtesy of the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
The American Red Cross, the US Forest Service and the National Weather Service are assessing the damage.
The Shreveport Volunteer Network also arrived at the scene with equipment and volunteers.
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Anyone wishing to donate or if someone in the area is in need, visit Pine Grove Baptist Church on Highway 118.
If anyone in the area needs items, call 318-315-0808, 318-379-8797, 318-508-3863 or call the Sheriff’s Office at 318-256-9241, and the items will be delivered.
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