Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 12, 1993 TAG: 9308120147
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PETERSBURG LENGTH: Medium
A series of tornadoes skipped through the predominantly black community Friday, leveling The Chapel and much of the surrounding neighborhood. The twisters left four people dead and nearly $50 million in damage across the area.
"We're still going to go on with it," said Leander Jones, who was married in the church six years ago. "But we're going to clean it up."
Jones, 36, was one of several dozen residents on hand when Gov. Douglas Wilder came through town Tuesday to survey the damage.
Pocahontas Island was one of the first communities in the nation to be settled by freed slaves. It survived the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Wilder said it would survive this, too.
He vowed to help the residents rebuild and promised free lumber, equipment and skilled workers.
The governor also sent a letter to President Clinton asking for money. He urged the president to issue a major disaster declaration for 19 Virginia counties and cities affected by several tornadoes that hit the state. The designation would enable citizens to qualify for such aid as temporary housing, small-business loans and family grants.
"This is a very viable locality and it has to be preserved," Wilder said. "We will see that it is."
Wilder said there's more to the community than the foundations and buildings. "There's a spirit that's been here as long as the island has been here and it's a spirit of indomitable people."
One example is Sudie Gonzales, 66, who was dubbed "the miracle lady" by Petersburg Mayor Rosalyn Dance for surviving the collapse of her two-story home.
Gonzales was pinned beneath the wreckage until a neighbor heard her cries for help and helped her dig out. She suffered a sprained arm, but the loss of her home left a greater emotional mark.
"If I can, I want to stay here," she said, her left arm in a sling. "I've been here all my life. My son was born in that house."
Wilder said the state will do all it can to accelerate disaster relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In addition, he announced creation of a task force of state agencies to help Petersburg officials restore the city.
In nearby Colonial Heights, Wal-Mart will raze its tornado-ravaged discount store and put a Sam's Club warehouse store on the site, then build a new Wal-Mart across the street, company and city officials said Wednesday.
Two employees and one customer were killed when a tornado hit Friday. More than 110 people were injured.
The company also plans to open a temporary store about a mile away within four weeks.
by CNB