Tornado damages Monroe County Humane Association; animals safe, recovery underway
An EF2 tornado with 120-mph winds damaged the Monroe County Humane Association’s facility Thursday evening, destroying a supply shed and tearing off part of the roof. Animals inside were unharmed. The nonprofit has filed an insurance claim and is seeking donations to support recovery and repairs.
The Monroe County Humane Association sustained damage when a tornado struck the west side of Bloomington Thursday evening (Feb. 19).
With peak winds near 120 mph, the EF2 tornado cut a path about 3.7 miles long and a quarter-mile wide, according to the initial assessment by the National Weather Service.
The nonprofit, located in the Fieldstone subdivision northeast of the Monroe County Airport, has served the community for 70 years. While Bloomington’s animal shelter focuses on pet adoption, the Humane Association’s work focuses on helping families keep the pets they already have. Its services include a nonprofit veterinary clinic, pet food pantry, crisis housing, spay and neuter assistance, street outreach and education programs.
“Our community needs both resources,” MCHA executive director Andrew Krebbs said.
Krebbs said he realized something was wrong after returning home from work and checking a security camera feed that showed wind blowing through the facility. The floors were also wet.
About 10 animals were inside the building when the tornado hit around 7 p.m. None were injured. All have since been relocated to volunteer and staff homes.
The main facility sustained roof and water damage. The most significant destruction occurred at an external shed used to store food and supplies.
A shipping container on the property was lifted and thrown into a field behind the building. Deep grooves in the ground marked where it tumbled across the grass. Trees, fencing around a dog run, rear landscaping and a backyard shelter were flattened.
The property is insured, and a claim has been filed.
Sowders Landscaping has assisted with cleanup efforts, providing a compact excavator for light demolition and manpower to help recover supplies.
Krebbs said the community response has been extraordinary, but donations are still needed to support recovery efforts.
Photos: Tornado Damage to Monroe County Humane Association
[Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.]
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