Cave City remains under a state of emergency with a dusk-to-dawn curfew implemented until further notice.
Emergency operations are being coordinated from the Cave City Fire/Rescue station on North Street, which is also serving as a supply distribution center.
Mayor Jonas Anderson reported, “We believe an unofficial count is 5 injuries, with 3 of those medically transported to a hospital. All are expected to be okay. There are no known remaining persons needing medical attention or rescue. There are no known fatalities. This is an absolute miracle from God.”
State and local officials are actively engaged in the response efforts. Mayor Anderson stated, “I have already been in touch with the governors office, state department of emergency management, and numerous other agencies. The Arkansas State Police, Game and Fish, and many others from surrounding cities and agencies are standing with us and helping.”
The primary damage path “seems to be a line east / northeast from the cemetery to West Center St., across Main St. at the intersection, across the neighborhood there to North St., and behind the high school, and on eastward from there into the county.”
Infrastructure assessments indicate that “our water and sewer system seems to be secure and working properly, at near 100%, but please conserve water as much as you can to help us out.” Natural gas leaks “have been stopped for now,” but the citys electrical infrastructure “has been decimated and will remain off for an unknown period of time.”
Efforts to clear debris and reopen city streets are progressing, though “167 will take some time.” Cell phone service “will likely continue to be spotty and unreliable for a while,” and emergency services “will be heavily impacted for the near future.”
Mayor Anderson urged residents to comply with the curfew and allow emergency crews the space they need to work efficiently. “Please respect the curfew. Please give emergency services folks the space they need to do their job. This will be not be a quick process.”
“We need your absolute cooperation and your prayers. There is a lot to wrap our heads around and lots to do. Lets care for each other. Lets speak and act in ways that will confound those watching, and show what the people of this community are made of.”
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