United States Archives | World Vision https://www.worldvision.org/country/united-states Building a better world for children Tue, 07 Oct 2025 23:37:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Hurricane Helene: Facts, FAQs, and how to help https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/hurricane-helene-facts-faqs-how-to-help Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:06:07 +0000 https://www.worldvision.org/?p=106675 Hurricane Helene, a catastrophic Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The storm triggered mass evacuations, with over 5 million people fleeing coastal areas along the East Coast. At least 227 people lost their lives in the extreme weather event. Learn how World Vision is supporting affected communities.

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Hurricane Helene, a catastrophic Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The storm triggered mass evacuations, with over 5 million people fleeing coastal areas along the East Coast. Helene caused widespread destruction, bringing record-breaking rainfall, severe flooding, and hurricane-force winds across several states. At least 227 people lost their lives in the extreme weather event.

Hurricane Helene: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Fast Facts: Hurricane Helene

  • Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
  • The storm caused widespread destruction across northwestern Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, bringing record-breaking rainfall, severe flooding, and hurricane-force winds ranging from 40 to 60 mph.
  • Hurricane Helene ranked among the most powerful storms to hit the United States and the strongest hurricane on record to strike Florida’s Big Bend region.
  • Among the deadliest U.S. hurricanes since Maria in 2017 and Katrina in 2005, Helene claimed at least 227 lives.
  • With initial damage estimates of at least $79.6 billion, Helene ranks among the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.
  • Compounding the devastation in many of the same areas, Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 storm.

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Overturned and damaged vehicles covered in mud and debris are seen on the front lawns of homes after a hurricane
Scene of destruction in Swannanoa, North Carolina, following Hurricane Helene. (© 2024 World Vision/photo by Tom Costanza)

What is the latest update on Hurricane Helene?

As of February 2025, recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene are ongoing. While many areas have continued to make progress, some of the hardest-hit communities face challenges such as power restoration, infrastructure repairs, and debris removal. Helene is the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Maria in 2017. About half the victims were in North Carolina, while dozens more perished in Georgia and South Carolina. The storm caused massive power outages and widespread infrastructure damage.

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A satellite image of a well-defined, swirling cloud structure moving across the Caribbean Sea near Central America.
The GOES–East satellite captured this composite image loop of Tropical Storm Helene on September 24, 2024, as it gained strength over the northwestern Caribbean Sea near Central America. (Photo courtesy of CIRA/NOAA)

How did Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton impact the southeastern U.S. in 2024?

Just weeks apart, Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the southeastern U.S. in 2024, causing widespread devastation. Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26 with 140 mph winds, bringing record-breaking rainfall, severe flooding, and hurricane-force winds across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. With at least 227 fatalities, Helene became the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Maria in 2017.

Shortly after, Hurricane Milton struck many of the same areas, compounding the damage with additional flooding and destruction. In response to both disasters, World Vision delivered emergency aid, distributing food, clean water, hygiene kits, and rebuilding materials to affected communities. Recovery efforts continue, with long-term support focused on rebuilding homes and infrastructure.

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How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Helene?

World Vision responded quickly to Hurricane Helene’s devastation in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, partnering with local churches to reach the hardest-hit communities. When Hurricane Milton struck shortly after, our teams quickly expanded their efforts to support even more impacted communities.

Bottled water, Lysol cleaning supplies, and other relief items are stacked inside the back of a vehicle.
In Arden, North Carolina, a vehicle is loaded with Hurricane Helene disaster relief support during an aid distribution on Saturday, October 5, 2024. (© 2024 World Vision/photo by Tom Costanza)

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and through our 20 church partnerships, we have served 90,914 people in the affected states of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas in response to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. We delivered:

Food aid:

  • Over 83,800 pounds of food, including 4,366 Crisis Relief Boxes and 1,100 turkeys for holiday meals.
  • 19,248 gallons of clean water.

Christmas support:

  • In December 2024, World Vision supported eight holiday events, delivering over 20,000 toys, card games, stuffed animals, books, items of clothing, and other recreational items.

Rebuilding efforts: 

  • Partnering with long-term recovery groups to rebuild 150 homes, supplying lumber for framing, drywall and supplies, flooring, doors, bathroom fixtures (including sinks and toilets), kitchen appliances, shingles, and more.

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How can I help people affected by Hurricane Helene and other disasters in the U.S.?

  • Pray: Join us in praying for all those impacted by Hurricane Helene and other disasters around the world.
  • Give: Your gift will help deliver urgent aid to children and families impacted by this hurricane and other disasters in the U.S.

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]]> https://wvusstatic.com/www/uploads/2024/10/10151624/D400-2302-002.jpg Hurricane Milton: Facts, FAQs, and how to help https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/hurricane-milton-facts-faqs-how-to-help Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:50:46 +0000 https://www.worldvision.org/?p=103371 Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, slammed into Florida’s west coast on October 9, 2024 with 120 mph winds, bringing severe flooding, storm surges, and widespread power outages. As it weakened to a Category 1, Milton continued to cause significant damage in central Florida. Learn how World Vision is supporting affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.

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On October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, made landfall on Florida’s west coast with winds reaching 120 mph. The storm brought widespread destruction across the region, including severe flooding, storm surges, tornadoes, and power outages, affecting millions of homes and businesses in Florida. Tragically, Milton has claimed at least 24 lives, adding to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which resulted in significant destruction across Florida and other Southeastern states and took the lives of at least 227 people.

Hurricane Milton: Facts FAQS, and how to help

Fast facts: Hurricane Milton

  • Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, on the evening of October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 hurricane.
  • Initially a Category 5 hurricane, Milton was downgraded to Category 3 before roaring ashore.
  • Residents in Florida faced threats from tornadoes, hail, and wind, leading to mass evacuations. Milton knocked out power to over 3 million homes and businesses.
  • Milton, Florida’s third landfalling hurricane for the 2024 season, followed Helene and Debby — and was the first to hit the Tampa Bay region in over a century.

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What is the latest update on Hurricane Milton?

As of February 2025, the recovery of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 storm, is ongoing.

While many areas have made significant progress, some of the hardest-hit communities face continued challenges like power restoration and debris removal.

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What is the difference between Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene?

Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene were both significant and deadly storms, but they had some key differences:

  • Hurricane Milton, which reached Category 5 strength but was downgraded to Category 3 before landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, caused widespread damage and mass evacuations in Florida on October 9, 2024.
  • In contrast, Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida on September 26, 2024, causing significant damage and leading to the evacuation of over 5 million people along the East Coast. It brought catastrophic rain and flooding to Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and beyond.

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What is World Vision doing to help communities affected by Hurricane Milton?

Even before Milton developed in the Gulf of Mexico, we were on the ground, aiding survivors of Hurricane Helene in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. To respond to Hurricane Milton, we have delivered 92 tractor-trailers loaded with relief supplies, including baby products, cleaning kits, personal care items, water, food, and more, to our partner churches in Florida to support affected families, as of September 2025.

With the generosity of our donors and through our 20 church partnerships, we have already served 90,914 people in the impacted states of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas through our response to hurricanes Milton and Helene. Key distributions included:

  • Food aid:
    • Over 83,800 pounds of food, including 4,366 Crisis Relief Boxes and 1,100 turkeys for holiday meals
    •  19,248 gallons of clean water
  • Christmas support:
    • In December, World Vision supported eight holiday events, delivering over 20,000 toys, card games, stuffed animals, books, clothing, and other recreational items
  • Rebuilding efforts: 
    • We’re supporting five long-term partnerships to help rebuild 150 homes with building materials, including lumber for framing, drywall and supplies, flooring, doors, bathroom fixtures (including sinks and toilets), kitchen appliances, shingles, and more.

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How can I help people affected by Hurricane Milton and other disasters in the U.S.?

  • Pray: Join us in praying for all those impacted by Hurricane Milton and disasters.
  • Give: Your gift will help deliver urgent aid to children and families affected by this hurricane and other disasters in the U.S.

BACK TO QUESTIONS 

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]]> https://wvusstatic.com/www/uploads/2024/10/10112226/image-1-1.jpg Delivering hope: Hurricanes Helene and Milton disaster relief https://www.worldvision.org/us-work-news-stories/hurricane-helene-disaster-relief Mon, 22 Sep 2025 08:31:29 +0000 https://www.worldvision.org/?p=103089 Back-to-back hurricanes have devastated the Southeastern U.S. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Sept. 26, 2024, followed by Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, which struck near Siesta Key on Oct. 9. Communities across the Southeast experienced severe damage, and World Vision responded immediately with critical supplies. In partnership with local churches and organizations, we delivered essential items such as clean water, generators, and more. Learn how World Vision is helping to rebuild lives and restore hope in the aftermath of these catastrophic storms.

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In September and October 2024, the Southeastern U.S. was struck by two powerful hurricanes, Helene and Milton, causing widespread destruction. The storms left communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond struggling with the aftermath: destroyed homes, disrupted lives, and severely damaged or completely destroyed infrastructure.

In these critical moments, World Vision’s swift and steadfast response has made a significant difference. Partnering with 20 local churches, we distributed essential supplies like clean water, generators, diapers, personal care items, and more, ensuring that people in the hardest-hit areas readily accessed the basics they needed.

Rev. Louis M. Murphy, Sr., of Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Florida, shared his gratitude: “To be able to partner with World Vision, a worldwide organization that has that local touch as well, is incredible.”

Our commitment to supporting these communities extends beyond short-term relief to long-term recovery and rebuilding.

A woman wearing a World Vision vest with a long ponytail stands with her back to the camera, facing a group gathered inside a gym.
World Vision staff and volunteers from St. John Baptist Church in Arden, North Carolina, organized the distribution of Hurricane Helene disaster relief supplies on October 5. (© 2024 World Vision/photo by Tom Costanza)

“World Vision’s mission is not only to be among the first to respond when disaster strikes, but also to stay long after the headlines fade,” World Vision’s National Director of U.S. Programs, Reed Slattery said. “That’s what we mean by being ‘first in, last out.’ Our commitment is to help families not just survive the immediate impacts of the storm but to thrive long-term by rebuilding their homes. We’re honored to be the Lord’s hands and feet during the most difficult times in the lives of storm survivors.”

Your immediate support and ongoing impact

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the partnership of churches, faith-based organizations, and community organizations, we’ve distributed 57 truckloads of aid, bringing relief to communities across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

As of September 2025, World Vision’s response has supported 90,914 people in the hardest-hit communities. Through 20 church partnerships, we delivered:

  • Over 83,800 pounds of food, including 4,366 Crisis Relief Boxes and 1,100 turkeys for holiday meals
  • 19,248 gallons of clean water
  • More than 20,000 toys, books, items of clothing, and holiday gift items to families in need
A woman in a World Vision shirt and hat stands with her arm around a woman who wipes her eyes.
Pastor Gwen Jones from St. John Baptist Church in Arden, North Carolina, and Catherine Brazinski, senior area director of Philanthropy at World Vision, during a World Vision–supported distribution of Hurricane Helene disaster relief supplies. (© 2024 World Vision/photo by Tom Costanza)

Pastor Gwen Jones from St. John Baptist Church called World Vision’s response “an answer to prayer.”

A future of hope and restoration

We’re continuing to focus on post-storm clean-up and rebuilding as we move into the recovery phase. Our long-term commitments include supporting our partnerships to rebuild 150 homes with building materials such as lumber, drywall, appliances, and more. Long after other organizations have often left, we will continue to stand by these communities, dedicated to helping them rebuild and restore their lives with dignity and hope.

Hands rest on the back of a woman wearing a black T-shirt in a gesture of support during prayer.
During a World Vision–supported distribution of Hurricane Helene relief supplies in Arden, North Carolina, Pastor Gwen Jones from St. John Baptist Church (shown in the center) is surrounded by prayers and the dedicated efforts of staff and volunteers, offering hope and help to impacted families. (© 2024 World Vision/photo by Tom Costanza)

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]]> https://wvusstatic.com/www/uploads/2024/10/07135305/Z628937.jpg From disasters to healing: World Vision’s work in the U.S. https://www.worldvision.org/us-work-news-stories/from-disasters-to-healing-world-visions-work-in-us Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:31:01 +0000 https://www.worldvision.org/?p=100888 World Vision responds to disasters globally, including in the United States. Learn about World Vision’s history of U.S. disaster responses, as well our work in education and distributing essential supplies and building materials to communities affected by emergencies in the U.S.

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]]> https://wvusstatic.com/www/uploads/2024/07/22170637/D400-2224-095-Enhanced-NR.jpg World Vision continues to help with Hurricane Helene recovery https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/world-vision-continues-help-hurricane-helene-recovery Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:26:24 +0000 https://www.worldvision.org/?p=112473 One year later, World Vision still remains in western North Carolina to help families and businesses recover from the damage left by Hurricane Helene. Read four stories of the impact of that support.

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]]> https://wvusstatic.com/www/uploads/2025/08/26170124/D400-2400-051.jpg How World Vision helps communities prevent and treat infectious diseases https://www.worldvision.org/health-news-stories/how-help-communities-prevent-treat-infectious-diseases Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:11:06 +0000 https://www.worldvision.org/?p=111426 Infectious diseases threaten lives worldwide — especially in poor communities. Learn how World Vision helps communities prevent and treat infectious diseases while also working to slow the spread.

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]]> https://wvusstatic.com/www/uploads/2025/07/16170740/WV_Tanzania2024_0232.jpg 2019 Hurricane Dorian: Facts, FAQs, and how to help https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/2019-hurricane-dorian-facts Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:00:47 +0000 https://www.worldvision.org/?p=57643 Hurricane Dorian, the strongest storm to ever hit the Bahamas, struck in 2019. Learn how World Vision helped communities recover from the Category 5 disaster.

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Hurricane Dorian was one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record  — and the strongest to ever hit the Bahamas. The Category 5 storm made landfall on September 1, 2019, in the northern Bahamas, bringing sustained winds of 185 mph and a storm surge of up to 23 feet. It stalled over the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama, unleashing days of catastrophic damage before turning toward the southeastern United States. Dorian’s trail of destruction displaced thousands of people and caused billions of dollars in damage.

Hurricane Dorian: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Fast facts: Hurricane Dorian

  • First major hurricane of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30
  • Reached Category 5 strength with sustained winds of 185 mph at landfall in Elbow Cay, Bahamas
  • Caused catastrophic damage across the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama on September 1, 2019
  • Claimed the lives of at least 74 people in the Bahamas, with hundreds reported missing in the following months
  • Estimated $3.4 billion in damages in the Bahamas and $1.6 billion in the U.S.

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How did World Vision help communities impacted by Hurricane Dorian?

World Vision was able to rapidly respond to Hurricane Dorian because of our emergency response teams and pre-positioned supplies at warehouses in the U.S. In anticipation of Dorian’s landfall, we shipped truckloads of relief supplies to partner organizations in Daytona Beach and Immokalee, Florida, to prepare for distribution in hard-hit areas.

During and after the storm, World Vision supplied food, water, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, and toys for children. Our response focused on supporting local churches to extend care beyond immediate needs, including helping rebuild homes.

“Each of these storms is different, but we’ve learned a lot from that experience,” said Pastor Justin Barnett of Jackson Heights Original Free Will Baptist Church in Kinston, North Carolina, who recalled World Vision’s aid during Hurricane Florence in 2018. “World Vision’s help was a big blessing to us then.”

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How does World Vision respond to natural disasters globally and in the U.S.?

With decades of experience, a trusted global network of trained emergency responders, and a presence in nearly 100 countries, World Vision is equipped to respond to multiple major crises at once, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, refugee and displacement emergencies, and more.

In 2024 alone, World Vision responded to 84 disasters and emergencies in 65 countries, providing lifesaving aid and ongoing support to over 35.2 million people.

When disaster strikes, we are there, delivering essentials like food, access to clean water, hygiene supplies, and household items — including cleanup kits. We also promote critical hygiene practices to help prevent disease outbreaks.

Our child protection teams respond quickly in urgent cases, supporting children who are separated from family or experiencing abuse, exploitation, or trauma. We also work to meet ongoing needs related to healthcare, nutrition, and education.

Beyond the initial response, we help families rebuild for the long term — restoring homes, ensuring clean water access, strengthening food security, and supporting children’s return to school.

In the U.S., we’re often one of the first organizations to respond to disasters. With strategically placed warehouses, expert emergency teams, and a network of thousands of church and community partners, we mobilize quickly to serve families with essential supplies.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, our impact continues to grow. In 2024, in partnership with 27 churches and nonprofits, we supported over 50,000 children and adults in the U.S. through emergency relief efforts.

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How can I help people affected by hurricanes and other disasters in the U.S.?

  • Pray: Join us in praying for all those impacted by hurricanes and other disasters.
  • Give: Your gift will help deliver urgent aid to children and families affected by hurricanes and other disasters in the U.S.

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]]> https://wvusstatic.com/www/uploads/2019/09/2019_Dorian_Benison_1s.png Spring 2025 magazine https://www.worldvision.org/magazine/spring-2025-magazine Mon, 19 May 2025 14:10:57 +0000 https://www.worldvision.org/?p=109763 Through our new digital magazine, we invite you to explore real stories of transformation, resilience, and hope — to meet a mother holding onto hope after her child’s recovery from malnutrition, a family navigating childbirth without access to clean water, a teacher shaping new beginnings in her childhood classroom, and more. Follow the links to dive deeper into these journeys — and witness how love and perseverance are transforming futures.

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]]> https://wvusstatic.com/www/uploads/2025/05/14153223/hor-ver-1-1dig-mag-options.jpg Tornadoes: Facts, FAQs, and how to help https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/tornado-facts Sun, 18 May 2025 12:05:14 +0000 https://www.worldvision.org/?p=54997 Discover the power of tornadoes and the devastation their furious winds can cause. Learn important tornado facts and expert tips on how to prepare for these natural disasters in the United States.

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Tornadoes strike the U.S. every year and have touched down in all 50 states. But weather patterns are shifting. According to the Associated Press, deadly tornadoes are now hitting more frequently in the densely populated, tree-covered mid-South, and moving away from the traditional “Tornado Alley” of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.

The latest outbreak hit on May 16 and 17, when powerful tornadoes tore through Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia, killing more than two dozen people and leaving widespread devastation across the region.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Learn how to protect yourself and your family with essential tornado safety tips—and see how World Vision is responding to help affected communities, and how you can make a difference.

Tornadoes: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Fast facts: Tornadoes

  • A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground.
  • Tornadoes form when warm, moist air collides with cold, dry air, creating unstable atmospheric conditions.
  • Twisters can have wind speeds up to over 200 mph (violent tornadoes).
  • Tornadoes can vary in size from just a few yards across to more than a mile wide. They usually last for a few minutes to nearly an hour, although some may persist longer.
  • The central United States, known as Tornado Alley, is prone to frequent tornadoes due to its geography and climate. It spans from northern Texas to South Dakota, where supercell thunderstorms often produce destructive twisters.
  • Tornadoes can occur at any time of year, but they’re most common in the spring and early summer, especially in the northern Plains and upper Midwest. Most twisters happen between 4 and 9 p.m.
  • Tornado watches vs. warnings: A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while a warning indicates a tornado has been detected and immediate action is needed.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What are the latest tornadoes in the U.S.?

The most recent tornadoes to impact the U.S. occurred on May 16–17, 2025, with devastating effects in Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia.

  • Kentucky: Kentucky was hit hardest by a deadly tornado that damaged hundreds of homes, tossed vehicles, and left many homeless in southeastern Laurel County.
  • Missouri: In St. Louis, Missouri, a tornado with wind speeds exceeding 140 mph resulted in 5 deaths and damaged approximately 5,000 buildings.
  • Virginia: Northern Virginia experienced severe storms that toppled trees and power lines, leading to 2 confirmed deaths.

This outbreak is part of a broader trend in 2025, with hundreds of tornadoes reported across the U.S. this year.

For real-time tracking and historical data on tornadoes, visit the University of Michigan’s Tornado Paths website.

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How can I help people affected by disasters in the U.S.?

  • Pray: Join us in praying for those who have loved ones injured or impacted by tornadoes.

Dear Heavenly Father, we lift up children and families affected, praying for their safety and protection during this challenging time. We also pray for strength and endurance for the emergency responders working tirelessly to provide aid and support.

  • Give: Your gift will help provide emergency relief to survivors of disasters in the U.S.

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What makes tornadoes so destructive?

Tornadoes, also referred to as twisters, unleash intense high winds that can topple trees, flatten buildings, and destroy roads. A significant contributor to their destructiveness is the debris they transform into projectiles. Traveling through a populated area, the funnel of a tornado picks up and carries millions of small and large items, including trees, rocks, trucks, parts of houses, and broken glass. These projectiles can cause damage proportionate to their size and speed when they collide with buildings or homes or crash to the ground.

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What is the rating scale for tornadoes?

Tornadoes are now rated on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, ranging from EF0 (65–85 mph) to EF5 (over 200 mph). It is nearly impossible to accurately measure the speed of a tornado, as any measurement device would be destroyed. The EF scale assesses the intensity based on estimated 3-second wind gusts, calculated using 28 different damage indicators — from softwood trees to schools. For example, if a tornado obliterates a large shopping mall or a large section of one, the wind speed would be estimated at 204 miles per hour, characterizing it as an EF5.

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What is an EF5 tornado?

An EF5 is the most powerful tornado, causing incredible damage with winds over 200 mph. Capable of destroying schools and large shopping complexes, and causing permanent structural deformation to even 20-story buildings, EF5 tornadoes are rare. They account for only 1% of all tornadoes but are responsible for 37% of tornado-related fatalities. The National Weather Service maintains a list of all the EF5 tornadoes since 1950.

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What are some recent EF5 tornadoes?

A formidable EF5 tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, on May 20, 2013, with recorded peak winds of 210 mph. The disaster resulted in the tragic loss of 24 lives, the destruction of over 1,100 homes, and an estimated $2 billion in damages. The disaster stands as one of the costliest tornadoes on record. Just 11 days after that disaster, another EF5 and the largest tornado ever recorded, measuring 2.6 miles across at its peak, hit near El Reno, Oklahoma, on May 31, 2013.

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How does World Vision respond to tornado outbreaks?

When tornadoes strike, World Vision responds quickly to support families in crisis with essential emergency relief.

After devastating tornadoes swept through Missouri on May 16, 2025, World Vision acted without delay. Our U.S. Programs team dispatched emergency relief supplies to St. Louis, Missouri, and to London, Kentucky, bringing critical items, like diapers, generators, and cleaning supplies, to families in the hardest-hit communities.

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How do I prepare for a tornado?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides guidelines to help you and your family stay safe during and after a tornado. When a tornado warning is issued, taking immediate action is critical. For example:

  • Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
  • If no basement exists, reach a small interior space or room on the lowest level.
  • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
  • If you can safely get to a sturdy building, do so immediately.
  • Do not seek shelter under an overpass or bridge; you’re safer in a low, flat location.
  • Be vigilant for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
  • Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

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]]> https://wvusstatic.com/www/uploads/2019/06/D400-2081-024.jpg World Vision’s Chosen® prompts abundant giving and growth https://www.worldvision.org/sponsorship-news-stories/world-visions-chosen-prompts-abundant-giving-growth Fri, 16 May 2025 21:02:32 +0000 https://www.worldvision.org/?p=107321 Bayview Church’s experience with participating in World Vision’s Chosen® sponsorship experience has led to an increase in generosity and church growth.

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