VALLEY VIEW, Texas and HOUSTON, Missouri — In the aftermath of devastating storms that hit Texas and Missouri over the weekend, dazed residents in two communities were left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. In Valley View, Texas, seven people including two young children were killed when a tornado ripped through the town on May 26. Three family members were found dead in one residence while a father and son were trapped under debris but rescued by neighbors and friends.
Valley View Chief of Police Justin Stamms described the scene as heartbreaking, with most residents working in farming or at local facilities. Many displaced residents are staying at makeshift shelters set up inside area churches. Cynthia De La Cruz and her family were trying to salvage their possessions while figuring out where to live.
Meanwhile, in Texas County, Missouri, a tornado hit the Bendavis-Houston area on May 27. The Moore family's home near Houston was damaged along with their business. They estimate their losses to be over half a million dollars.
In both communities, neighbors and volunteers came together to help those in need. Men were already busy putting a new roof on a heavily damaged home in Valley View while teams of volunteers from local churches helped residents carry belongings from inside battered homes into pickups and trailers.
Christopher Landeros ran to help pull out an injured man whose wife and two kids were killed in the tornado. In Houston, Missouri, Chris Owens brought his young son along to help support each other during the cleanup efforts.
Despite the destruction, residents remained hopeful and grateful for the support from their communities. The Moores told KY3 they were happy because they and their family were still alive. In Valley View, Cynthia De La Cruz described her community as a tight-knit area of mostly Latino people who stick together during tough times.
The storms served as a reminder of the importance of community support and resilience in the face of adversity.
