As Tornado Outbreak Devastates Multiple U.S. States, Direct Relief Mobilizes Response

Residents of London, Kentucky, dig through debris of roofless houses, some without walls, as they inspect the damage left by a tornado that killed at least 18 in the state. (Photo by Allison Joyce/AFP)

By Tony Morain

May 19, 2025

A powerful storm system swept through the central United States on May 15–16, 2025, unleashing at least 22 tornadoes across multiple states and leaving a wide swath of destruction. Kentucky was hardest hit, with 23 confirmed fatalities—19 of them in Laurel County alone.

In Missouri, a tornado struck the St. Louis area, resulting in five deaths and damaging more than 5,000 buildings. Wind speeds reached 152 mph, and hail as large as 4 inches was reported. Hundreds of thousands remain without power as search, rescue, and recovery efforts continue.

Direct Relief Response

Direct Relief is supporting healthcare providers across the affected region with emergency medical aid. In Kentucky, where the toll has been most severe, Direct Relief is deploying emergency medical supplies to health facilities serving residents in and around Laurel County.

In Missouri, Direct Relief has coordinated closely with the Missouri Primary Care Association, which reached out on behalf of health centers in storm-affected communities. Three health centers have received Direct Relief’s emergency medical inventory, and shipments are already underway. Direct Relief has received requests for tetanus vaccines, diabetes treatment supplies, personal protective equipment, field medic packs to equip first responders for triage care outside of clinic walls, and more.

Direct Relief has also offered assistance to the Mobile Healthcare Association, based in St. Louis, and is actively coordinating with the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, or NAFC, and the National Association of Community Health Centers, or NACHC, to support health providers on the front lines.

Direct Relief’s support for the region predates the storm. In the past two weeks alone, Direct Relief delivered 27 shipments of medical aid to Missouri, valued at more than $344,000, and 24 shipments to Kentucky, valued at over $90,000. Direct Relief’s longstanding partnerships with local clinics and health centers help ensure a faster and more coordinated response.

As damage assessments continue and new needs arise, Direct Relief remains committed to expanding its response and delivering critical medical resources to those affected.