Smith Island begins recovery after tornado
Following any disaster, there are three prescribed steps and stages: relief, recovery, and rebuilding, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) reports. But with the tornado that hit Smith Island, Md., on Aug. 4, a new stage opened up – access.
Smith Island is a remote island, 12 miles off the town of Crisfield. It can only be accessed by boat or helicopter. About 250 people, many of whom are fisherman and crabbers, live on the island, where there are three United Methodist churches.
On the evening of Aug. 4, a waterspout, which was categorized as an EF-1 tornado when it passed over land, hit the island. Initial damage reports indicate that 17 homes were damaged, some significantly. An historic inn was also severely affected and the livelihood of many of the watermen on island was impacted.
Almost a week after the storm, insurance adjusters had not yet assessed the extent of the damage, leading to delays in clean-up efforts.
However, “Smith Islanders are resilient people. Smith Island has been damaged several times, by hurricanes, wind storms, and flooding,” said the Rev. D. Richard Walton, Sr., the Peninsula-Delaware Conference Disaster Coordinator.
To help in the recovery at this time, only monetary donations are being received, Walton said. “As soon as assessments of damages are finished, we will be ready to request groups to assist in the recovery. Several places are being readied for overnight accommodation for work teams - one on the island and one in Crisfield.”
While community leaders are confident they will weather this storm’s destruction, recovery efforts will be complicated by accessibility. One small example, said Pastor Emmanuel Johnson, is that they have to get the debris off the island, and all that needs to be coordinated. “It can be complicated.”
Emanuel Johnson, who pastors Shiloh and John Wesley UMCs in Crisfield, where many of the boats leave to go over to Smith Island, is a member of the Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Committee of the Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).
Several months ago, on Oct. 29, there was flooding in the region, nine years to the day from Hurricane Sandy. “I lost my car in that flooding,” said Johnson, who had only been at the church nine months. “It was my baptism to living in a low-lying area.”
On Smith Island, following the most recent storm, in addition to the destruction of homes, the 100-year-old Tyler Family Bed and Breakfast had its roof completely ripped off. A fuel dock was also reported damaged, and many boats were capsized. There were no reports of serious injuries as a result of the tornado.
Those wishing to contribute to recovery efforts on Smith Island can send checks, marked “Disaster Relief,” to the Bishop Felton Edwin May Resource Center at 139 North State Street, Dover, Delaware 19901.
At the most recent meeting of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference, Calvary, Ewell and Union UMCs, the three churches on Smith Island, requested to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. That request was approved and Calvary, Ewell, and Union UMCs have begun the process of leaving the denomination.
However, Conference leaders report being confident that the connectional spirit that allows for on-going relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts will continue.