Tornado damage serious but not tragic

PHOTO/STORY
BY HAMUDA AHMED

One result from the tornado on Aug. 19.

A strong tornado wind plowed through South Minneapolis Aug. 19 and snapped trees, damaged cars and ripped the roofs off homes. Minneapolis police officers and firefighters swept through neighborhoods asking if serious injuries had occurred and warning people of the dangers of traveling in the aftermath of such destruction.“We haven’t seen any injuries other than property damage,” said a firefighter.

The storm shocked Somali immigrants who moved here in search of peace and education. They had never seen the destruction they saw happen in a matter of seconds. “I never saw tornados, let alone have one pass through my neighborhood in front of our house. It was a shock to me,” said Yusra Omar, a senior at the University of Minnesota.

Kari Neatherly of the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association reminds us, “As the cleanup begins, the Minneapolis Police Depart ment asks that you also be alert to scams. If you are hiring a company to do repairs like water damage cleanup, roof repairs, etc., be sure to know who you are working with. Check online or with the Better Business Bureau for information as well as with friends and neighbors for recommendations on companies to use.”

Until Sept. 11, residents in the tornado area will be able to purchase a replacement tree from the Tree Trust for $25 (call 651-644-5800).