LOGAN COUNTY, Ohio — Just over a week after deadly tornadoes struck Logan County, officials in the area provided an update on the recovery process.
According to the Logan County Sheriff's Office, the severe weather left three people dead and 25 injured. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF2 tornado hit near Orchard Island in Logan County and also passed through Lakeview as an EF3.
Logan County EMA director Helen Norris said in the aftermath of the storm, the response team has recorded 133 structures destroyed, 164 with major damages, 421 minor damages and 178 affected properties in an initial damage assessment.
You can watch Friday's entire briefing below.
Indian Lake School Superintendent Rob Underwood reports that classes resumed on Wednesday in the district. However, a total of 96 students have been displaced as a result of the storm damage. Underwood added that 56 students are now living outside of the district.
Ben Vollrath, public information officer for Logan County, noted that the next step for the county is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coming in next week to conduct assessments that "might unlock additional federal resources." On Thursday, Gov. Mike DeWine announced that the state asked FEMA to conduct a damage assessment on impacted homeowners, renters and businesses for the 11 Ohio counties impacted by the tornadic severe storms.
There will also be a meeting coming up next week to determine how Logan County will set up temporary housing.
Residents who are looking for assistance can go to one of the multi-agency resource centers established by United Way. The center in Russells Point is located at 337 East Main St. and the Lakeview location is at 165 East Lake St. Donations can be made to help relief efforts here.
Those who need help with debris removal can call the county's hotline at 844-965-1386. Vollrath said it is a free service where they can call in and volunteers will show up to assist them. Officials reported that some 532 tons of debris were taken to a landfill on Thursday. "That's just a small dent," Vollrath stated.
Gov. DeWine previously declared a state of emergency for Logan County and the 10 other counties affected by last week's deadly storms. The declaration from Gov. DeWine ordered state departments and agencies to lend services, equipment, supplies and personnel to assist in the response and recovery efforts.
Northeast Ohio has also been involved in the clean-up process, as the Stark County Sheriff's Office dispatched deputies to help assist with search and rescue operations in Logan County.
“In times of crisis, it’s imperative that communities come together to support one another. The devastation in Logan County calls for a united response, and I am proud of our deputies for their readiness to assist those in need,” explained Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier. “Our thoughts are with the victims of these devastating storms.”
Officials have been collecting items at Indian Lake High School. The school eventually had to ask people to stop bringing in donations after receiving so many.
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