SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — 200 families are displaced from their homes after Friday night’s devastating tornado that created mass destruction through the city of Sullivan.
Of those 200 households, 155 of those homes are located within city limits. A city of around 4,000 residents.
Brandon Dow, a homeowner on South Court Street recalled the storm.
“All the sudden, the wind just picked up, really bad. Then all the sudden I heard the tornado sirens go off and then all the sudden debris started flying. The front window blew out and I just dropped to the floor and crawled under my bed and that’s when the tornado hit,” Dow said.
Mayor Clint Lamb was on scene helping throughout Friday night and Saturday.
“I was able to walk the neighborhoods a while ago and it’s devastating, right? I mean it just absolutely breaks your heart,” Lamb said.
Professionally trained, Urban Search and Rescue, out of Evansville has led searches in several areas where professionals were needed. Lamb confirmed that residents were still being pulled from the rubble as of Saturday morning.
“This is an on-going search and rescue event,” Lamb said during a press conference Friday afternoon.
Indiana State Police confirm three people have died in Sullivan County.
“We are preparing for a long-term recovery. And we expect the state agencies, not just to help us today, but continue to partner with us,” Lamb said.
Sullivan County Community hospital confirmed in a press release that they treated 16 patients for injuries due to the tornado. Two people were admitted to the hospital, one transferred via Lifeline, and three individuals remained at the hospital to sleep.
State representative, Bruce Borders toured the destruction Saturday morning.
“For those that were impacted by the direct hit of the tornado, it’s going to be a long-term recovery for them and they’re going to need a lot of help and a lot of love in the meantime,” Borders said.
Sullivan officials said a curfew will be in place beginning at 7:00 P.M. Saturday evening until 7:00 AM Sunday morning for the affected area.
City officials encourage residents still looking for loved ones or needing housing assistance to visit City Hall at 110 N. Main Street.
