Gripping new batch of photos shows Minnesota tornado damage

Posted at 1:15 PM on June 23, 2010 by Bob Ingrassia
Filed under: Weather

Photos from the spate of tornadoes that struck Minnesota on June 17 keep pouring in. Even a week after the storms, the images remain gripping and amazing.

Minnesota's office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management posted a recent batch on its Facebook page.

There is not much detail on the location of each photo. Here's how the agency described the group of photos:

Governor Tim Pawlenty directed HSEM to request preliminary damage assessments to determine the scope of damage caused by last week's tornadoes in Minnesota. Here are a few photos from the field... Location: Wadena; Ellendale and Albert Lea areas

Here are some of the 82 photos in the agency's latest batch. The full set is on Facebook.

Farmers hurt by storms can get help

Posted at 3:31 PM on June 23, 2010 by Mark Steil
Filed under: Weather

Image from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The tornadoes last week caused a lot of trouble for farmers -- especially those with livestock.

The high winds blew down many barns, setting animals loose in the countryside. Those farmers are struggling now to find a way to care for the animals until they can rebuild.

The state agriculture department says it can help. Any farmer with a problem can call a toll-free help line, 1-877-898-MFAN (Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network).

The department also has a Disaster Recovery Loan Program, which can help farmers pay for a number of storm problems, including debris removal.

A press release provides more details.