LULAC Urges Increased Emergency Assistance For Tornado Victims
Nation’s Largest and Oldest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Loss of Life and Scale of Devastation Demands Maximum Federal Action
Washington, DC – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement in the wake of 20 powerful tornadoes that swept across six states late Friday into Saturday morning. The latest death toll stands at 90, and scores of others are still missing. The most significant fatalities occurred in Kentucky, where officials report 80 dead. Eyewitnesses describe entire communities leveled and devastation as far as the eye can see.
Maggie Rivera - LULAC Illinois State Director
"Our condolences go to all the families who lost a loved one in the devastating tornadoes this past weekend in Illinois and neighboring parts of Kentucky and Missouri. Our hearts go out to the relatives of employees who perished at the Amazon facility; especially, if preliminary findings are confirmed that these workers' deaths might have been preventable. In the Midwest, we are very familiar with tornado drills. Yet, there are always those individuals who believe that these destructive events are just going to pass them! These views of denial are so unfortunate and disturbing. LULAC Illinois is already in contact with Governor J.B. Pritzker's office to join forces in bringing relief to all those affected. Dios nos favorezca! May God help us.”
Ivonne Quiñones - LULAC National Board Member, Vice-President for the Southeast
“Our hearts are heavy with grief over the unimaginable loss of life and destruction caused by these tornadoes, and we urge federal emergency leaders to rush all the help possible to the victims. This past weekend reminds us of the tremendous force of nature we have witnessed unleashed with increasing frequency. We call upon our elected officials, urban planning experts, and the scientific community to come together and develop new strategies to cope with the effects of a changing climate. This is not a time for polemic rhetoric or abstract sophistry. We need lifesaving action so that men, women, and children in harm’s way have more forewarning and that there are sufficient shelters for them to seek refuge. LULAC stands ready to work with the government agencies in the afflicted regions in any way needed.
To help the tornado victims, please donate today to LULAC's Relief Fund: www.lulac.org/contribute.
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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/