Van Tornado Blamed for Estimated $40 Million in Damage

An emergency official says a deadly EF-3 tornado that blasted an East Texas town left behind about $40 million in damage.

Van Zandt County emergency management coordinator Chuck Allen provided the damage estimate as recovery continues from Sunday's twister in Van.

Hundreds of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed in the violent weather that killed a husband and wife. More than 40 other people were hurt, with two still hospitalized Thursday in critical condition.

A boil water order remained in effect Thursday for Van, a town of about 2,600 people located 70 miles southeast of Dallas.

Red Cross spokeswoman Anita Foster said a resource center opened Thursday with representatives from government agencies and volunteers offering help. Foster says 18 people remained at a shelter at First Baptist Church.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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