VAN, Texas — With the so much of this small East Texas town in the dark, electric companies and the American Red Cross have moved into Van to help the town recover from the EF-3 tornado that touched down Sunday night.
Arlan Wilkinson, 74, came face-to-face with the storm: His black eye is courtesy of a 2x4 that was ripped from his front door.
"It felt like a bomb going off in there," he said.
Wilkinson is one of the 50 people who stayed at the Red Cross shelter on Monday as emergency response kicked into high gear.
"There have been so many people," said Teresa Perilo, one of many across Van without power.
Workers from across the state pulled into town Monday to get the juice flowing again.
"They're saying possibly five days, but there are a lot of people here," Perilo said. "The energy companies are working, and we're thankful for them!"
Add tree trimmers, cell service, and crews setting up fences, and it made for a full night of cleanup ahead. But it is a well-lit one, thanks to a few truckers from Longview who brought in three semis with giant lights to illuminate the scene of destruction.
"We were told to get light towers... as many as they can round up, and I think Longview had over 20 or 28," said Clifton Richardson.
It's the least they say they can do, having seen the damage.
"My heart goes out to these folks here," Richardson said. "That's why I don't mind putting on a long day to help them out."
There are a lot of long days ahead here, but the people of Van are already thinking of the future. They'll get there, thanks to the hundreds working to build the town back as fast as they can.
To make a $10 donation to tornado victims, text "Red Cross" to 90999. You can also donate money to the Red Cross online.
The Communities Foundation of Texas is working with WFAA and Gannett television stations across the state to raise money for the victims of this tornado. Click here to make a contribution.
