Watch the devastation in Georgia caused by the deadly tornadoes in the video below.
Video credit: ODN
In an incredible footage, a Georgia home can be seen in a perfectly intact state as everything surrounding it is razed to the ground by the deadly tornadoes which ripped through parts of Alabama and Georgia, killing at least 23 people a week ago.
The drone video was shot by photographer Matt Gillespie in Ellersie, Georgia.
Gillespie posted the video on Facebook, saying that it’s ‘insane that this house is still standing and thank God these residents are ok!’
The house miraculously survived and suffered just a little damage, despite being in the direct pathway of the storm.
On the contrary, other nearby homes suffered far more damage, with some completely leveled to the ground. Even the trees surrounding the lucky house were completely uprooted.
According to Gillespie, he was at his parents’ when he captured the footage.
‘Prayers for everyone out there dealing with the damages and anyone who was hurt or worse. Parents house is fine except for all the downed trees, a missing chicken coupe, and debris. Lots of cleanup in store,’ he wrote on Facebook.
The tornadoes which hit Alabama and Georgia on March 3 killed 23 people, out of which 10 were from the same family.
Demetria Jones and Cordarrly Jones say they are still struggling to accept the reality of the disaster, as the cousins organized funerals for their two grandparents, their uncle, and seven other family members.
As if it’s not enough, a number of their other relatives are in the hospital facing serious injuries.
‘It really hasn’t fully hit me yet. I’m still trying to process it,’ 29-year-old Cordarrly said. ‘Everybody in this area was just about related,’ Demetria, 28, added. ‘It’s devastating.’
The cousins fought back tears as they attempted to salvage the possessions of their family members from the rubble of dilapidated homes in Beauregard, Georgia.
Their grandparents, 83-year-old Mary Louise Jones and 89-year-old Jimmy Jones, were killed in their Beauregard home. Emmanuel Jones, the couple’s 53-year-old son died too.
Also dead were seven cousins of Demetria and Cordarrly: Maggie Delight Robinson, 57; Raymond Robinson Jr., 63; Tresia Robinson, 62; James Henry Tate, 86; Henry Lewis Stenson; 65; Florel Tate Stenson; 63; and Eric Jamal Stenson, 38.
Among the thirteen other deads include 10-year-old Taylor Thornton and six-year-old Armando Hernandez.
Fourth-grader Taylor Thornton was found dead in the rubble, revealed a GoFundMe page set up by friends of her parents, Ashley and David.
‘[Taylor] brought so much joy to all that knew her. She was loved dearly and will forever be missed,’ the page reads.
‘Our hearts are mourning with you Ashley and David. You raised an amazing daughter that fulfilled her purpose on this earth and it now with her creator.
‘This community loves you both, and baby McCrae so much and will continue to walk through this by your side.’
Six-year-old Armando Hernandez, nicknamed AJ, was found dead after getting separated from his mom when the storm hit Beauregard.
AJ’s mother, Kayla Melton, had earlier appealed for information about him on Facebook, writing: ‘Please look for my baby he’s 6 years old his name is Armando Hernandez he goes by AJ last seen on lee road 38. Anyone in the area please help me find him please!!!!!’
The boy’s death was confirmed by his relatives on Facebook.
Relative Tina Melton wrote: ‘Little AJ didn’t make it. He was found but he didn’t survive… He was always eager to give hugs and loved his family.
‘They are headed to the children’s hospital with his brother. They also lost their home in the tornado with all belongings. Fly high AJ. You have your wings!’
With wind speed peaking at 170mph, the tornado has become the deadliest in America for the last six years. The locals got a tornado warning just 12 minutes before the catastrophe reached them.
Following the tragic incident, a number of people and organizations have come forward in support of the victims with generous donations.
A Native American tribe in Alabama has pledged to donate $184,000 for the burial costs of all the people killed by the devastating storms.
The tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Stephanie A. Bryan, announced the donation in a Facebook post on Friday.
‘It is at times of greatest need that we often see our communities coming together to help one another, this is one of those times. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected,’ Bryan wrote.
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