Written by Ying Ying Lee
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ariel Tsai
In mid-May 2025, a tornado caused by a supercell storm swept through the Midwest and Southern states of the U.S., killing at least 28 people and destroying thousands of homes. St. Louis, Missouri, and Laurel County, Kentucky, were the hardest hit, and the losses were particularly severe. The Tzu Chi St. Louis Service Center took immediate action to provide care to the survivors, mobilizing volunteers to survey the disaster and planning a fundraising campaign to actively prepare for the post-disaster relief and reconstruction, hoping to help the survivors heal their pain.
Mobilizing Quickly After Disaster
According to the National Weather Service, between May 16 and 17, several EF-3 tornadoes struck St. Louis, Missouri, affecting neighborhoods such as the Central West End, DeBaliviere Place, The Ville, Penrose, and O’Fallon. The storms uprooted trees, destroyed homes, shattered buildings, and left visible scars across the city. The Tzu Chi St. Louis Service Center is adjacent to the disaster area, but fortunately, the volunteers are safe and unharmed, and many volunteers have joined in the post-disaster care after receiving the call.
The storm caused the death of five people in the area and injured 38. According to an initial estimate, more than 5,000 houses in the city were damaged to varying degrees. The mayor called on citizens to avoid entering the disaster area to facilitate the smooth progress of rescue and road clearing.
The day after the disaster (May 17), the Tzu Chi St. Louis Service Center quickly convened to hold a meeting and then immediately mobilized after confirming locations in the disaster area to survey the disaster and provide relief. Once the volunteers entered the disaster area, they saw the devastating scenes of fallen trees, shattered windows, and blown-off roofs. They also met survivors whose homes were severely damaged and provided timely care and companionship.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Buildings near Delmar Boulevard were particularly hard-hit. At the Delhaven Manor Nursing Center, home to around 80 elderly residents with mobility issues, a staff member named Mark recounted the night of the storm. The center lost all power, and its windows were damaged. All residents were swiftly evacuated to alternative shelters. Tzu Chi volunteers, struck by the impermanence of life, were more determined than ever to serve survivors with compassion.
The disaster survey team went deep into the disaster area. In the Clayton area, volunteers met resident Coby Parks, whose roof and chimney were destroyed by a fallen tree on the roadside. Despite the danger, he still managed to stay calm and respond positively, which was touching and admirable. The volunteers not only cared for the needs of the survivors but also conveyed positive energy through listening and accompanying them.
On May 18, volunteers went deep into another severely affected community. The roof of a church had collapsed, killing a church volunteer. Many houses in the local residential area were severely damaged. Currently, charitable organizations are providing free meals and drinking water in the disaster area, proving that there is love in the world.
Gathering Love to Help Rebuild
According to the National Weather Service, May is one of the most active months for tornadoes, and there are still many storms that may hit the area. Residents of Kentucky and surrounding states must remain on high alert.
Tzu Chi is working closely with the American Red Cross to get first-hand information about the disaster, and will participate in the services of the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) to assist disaster-affected residents in registering their home damage and assessing subsequent assistance plans.
The Tzu Chi St. Louis Service Center will continue to provide care and assistance based on the results of the disaster survey and hopes that people from all walks of life can pass on their love and care, and pool their love to help the residents in the disaster areas soothe the suffering brought about by the tornado as they rebuild their homes.
