After a tornado hit an Amish community in Michigan, the residents sprang into action to repair the damage. This all happened even before meteorologists could assess the situation. The tornado struck last Wednesday, bringing winds of up to 100 mph.
Dustin Norman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, visited Branch County a few days later. He was surprised to see that the Amish community had already made significant repairs, including putting new shingles on homes and reframing barns. Norman noted that the quick response was similar to what he observed in an Amish area in Indiana that experienced a tornado the same day.
“They just fix it,” Norman said, expressing his respect for how quickly the Amish community gets things done. He added that sometimes it takes the weather service days to reach affected areas, and by then, it looks like nothing happened.
The Amish community is known for its self-sufficiency and strong work ethic. They tend to keep to themselves and maintain a degree of separation from mainstream society. Approximately 61% of the Amish population in North America lives in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.
In the face of natural disasters, the Amish approach to repairs stands out. Their ability to quickly restore their homes and farms speaks to their resilience and commitment to community.