US Muslims Aid Tornado Victims

WASHINGTON – While Muslim teams have been deployed to help those in need, US Muslim leaders have appealed to the sizable minority to join efforts to aid victims of a devastating tornado in Oklahoma that wiped whole blocks of homes and killed scores.

 “Our hearts go out to the victims’ families, and especially to the parents of little children who lost their young lives in this natural disaster,” Imam Mohamed Magid, President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), told OnIslam.net.

“We stand by the citizens of Moore in their effort to rebuild their lives.”

At least 24 people have been killed after a massive tornado ripped through the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore.

Trapping victims beneath the rubble, the deadly storm destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, wiped out two schools and a hospital and left at least 237 people injured, including many children.

Emergency workers have pulled more than 100 survivors from the rubble of homes, schools and a hospital.

ISNA has called on Americans to offer aid to those in need of emergency assistance and to make generous contribution to relief efforts through national relief organizations.

The National Weather Service upgraded its calculation of the storm’s strength on Tuesday, saying it was a rare EF-5, the most powerful ranking on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with winds exceeding 200 miles per hour.

President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster area in Oklahoma, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local efforts in Moore.

“The people of Moore should know that their country will remain on the ground, there for them, beside them, as long as it takes,” Obama said at the White House.

“Our prayers are with the people of Oklahoma today.”

The United States has more than 1,000 tornadoes every year, and only 1 percent of those ever reach EF-5 strength.

Muslim Help

Muslim relief agencies have activated disaster response teams to help in the relief efforts for Oklahoma victims.

Islamic Relief’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) is on the ground and helping those devastated by the tragedy.

Islamic Relief is working closely with the American Red Cross and local authorities to ensure aid reaches those affected in a timely manner.