PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – It’s been a year today since Kalamazoo County was hit by its worst tornado in over 40 years.
Unlike the tornado that tore across the city of Kalamazoo in 1980, last year’s twister caused no fatalities, only injuries.
The EF-2 tornado hit residents the hardest. Estimates are that 50 homes and 8 apartment structures were destroyed, 130 homes were seriously damaged, and 400 others required repairs.
Insurance companies have picked up most of the tab.
That is Portage Deputy Manager Adam Herringa, who says initially relief was up to local non-profits like the Salvation Army, Goodwill and Loaves and Fishes to distribute hot food, supplies and even shelter to displaced residents.
FEMA denied assistance, saying the damage wasn’t severe enough to justify federal intervention, but the state included $3-million in their budget for relief. By far the largest percentage of that money will be going to residential relief, with the help of three non-profits who do this kind of work full time.
Texas Township Supervisor JoAnne O’Rourke says they have greatly expanded the number of years they anticipate it will take to recover from all the damage in the year since the tornado ripped through their Colony Woods subdivision.
Assistance is still available for impacted residents who need it.
Information is available by calling 211 or by contacting After the Storm, the United Way or the Portage Community Center.
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