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LAKE VILLAGE, Ind. (WLS) — After a destructive tornado outbreak earlier this week, Lake Village, Indiana residents are facing another day devoted to cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
The storms claimed the lives of two individuals: Edward and Arlene Kozlowski, a couple in their 80s, who were discovered at their long-time residence.
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On Thursday afternoon, Governor Mike Braun arrived in Lake Village to assess the situation firsthand.
He plans to conduct an aerial survey to gain a comprehensive view of the extensive damage in the region.
Efforts on Thursday are concentrated on providing support to those severely affected by the disaster.
Donations poured into Lake Village, Indiana’s Community Center Thursday morning.
“I have a lot of friends who live in Lake Village so just trying to do whatever we can,” donor John Sorensen said.
A small army of volunteers sorted through items, determining what is still needed
“What we’re looking for, baby wipes, bath towels, wash cloths,” said Abbey Rossittir, president of the Newton County Board of Commissioners.
Anything that can be used for cleanup efforts is helpful, too.
“Any items that you have that are new, in packages that you’re willing to donate. Laundry, soaps, bleaches, household cleaners, brooms, mops, shovels, rakes, contractor bags, garbage bags,” Morocco Fire Chief Jeremy Vanderwall said.
Volunteers also gathered on the north side of town, ready and willing to help.
“We’re waiting on getting a few destinations that we will be sent out to, sites where we’ll be picking up debris, separating the debris into piles so they can pick it up,” volunteer Brittany Shedrow said.
Homeowners are slowly coming to terms with their losses and beginning their clean up process as well.
RELATED: At least 2 tornadoes kill 2 as storms sweep through northwest Indiana, leaving trail of damage
And while the extent of the damage and therefore the need is still being assessed, it is clear that it will be significant.
The south side of town — particularly in the area right off of US 41 — is where the devastation is most widespread.
Businesses like a Family Dollar store were decimated, so was the gas station directly across from it.
Thursday morning, crews were hard at work removing debris from the roof of a nearby bank, while utility crews were out trying to restore power to the more than 800 customers who were still in the dark.
It’s unclear how many people have been displaced. North Newton High School did serve as a shelter overnight. And it is also where the Red Cross is basing its operations.
The center is also offering free Starlink service to people who may be without the ability to get online to communicate with loved ones.
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