As the search for survivors continued on Saturday, US President George W. Bush approved a declaration to provide federal aid to the four Central Florida counties where tornadoes left 20 dead and 1,500 homes severely damaged or destroyed.
In a speech to Democratic members of Congress gathering in Virginia, Bush said he "shares concerns for those whose lives were turned upside down by that storm," which hit Lake, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties.
"Whatever federal response is needed," Bush said, "we will make it quick and sure."
PHOTO: AFP
R David Paulison, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said tractor-trailer loads of tarps, blue sheeting, water, meals and generators, along with five mobile-assistance trailers were on their way to the area on Saturday. But by the end of the day none of the trailers had arrived, said Rich Nicorvo, spokesman for Lake County Emergency Services.
Tornadoes touched down in the small communities north of Orlando at about 3am on Friday. Many residents said their electricity had been out from about 10pm to 2:30am, and they went to bed unaware of the tornado watch that had been issued by the National Weather Service.
The service issued warnings just minutes before the twisters hit.
"It makes you sick to your stomach to think about the people who have lost their lives, lost their homes and everything they own," Paulison said after viewing the damage from a military helicopter with Florida Governor Charlie Crist.
As workers took down splintered, debris-filled oaks on Saturday, parishioners of the nearby Lady Lake Church of God sang hymns, holding hands and some hymnals they had recovered.
The mood was subdued and roads congested as power companies temporarily blocked lanes to replace lines and downed poles. The sound of power saws echoed from all directions in Lady Lake, a town of 13,500 that serves as a bedroom community to Orlando.
Nearly 50km away, in the small rural neighborhood of Camp Mack, Robert Bissell picked through the debris at his 71-year-old mother's flattened home in search of some of her clothes and shoes. He said he had called FEMA earlier to register her for benefits.
"They answered the phone promptly, but they were not very forthcoming," Bissell said. "They told me they would likely send someone out in less than seven to 10 days. I would have liked to have heard more like 72 hours."
Bissell's mother, Else Campbell, was at home when a tornado hit, but suffered no serious injuries. She is staying with a friend for a few days. Beyond that, Bissell said he did not know where she would go. The tornado killed 14 in Camp Mack.
Every family displaced is eligible for US$28,200 in federal assistance, which can be used to repair or replace their homes, or pay for medical assistance, rental housing or damage to their automobiles.
For now, members of Lady Lake Church of God say their services will continue. Ronald Pearce, 42, a parishioner, said services would be held yesterday in front of the wreckage.
"It's just a building," Pearce said. "We are the church. We can rebuild the building."
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