AC360 411: Inside the Oklahoma Tornado Disaster Zone
Tonight on AC360, Anderson will have more incredible stories of survival after Monday’s massive tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. He got a tour of the rubble at Briarwood Elementary with 5th grade teacher Robin Dziedzic. Amazingly, no one was killed at the school, even though it’s left in ruins. Dziedzic took students into a bathroom when the twister hit and recorded video on her cell phone of the moment of impact. We’ll share her incredible video and you’ll hear how she and so many others at Briarwood got out alive.
There is also a lot of grieving in Moore, where 24 people died when the tornado hit, including 10 children. Tonight Anderson will talk to Phillip Vargyas, who lost two children in the tornado – Karrina, 4, and Sydnee, just 7 months old. Vargyas’ two daughters were at home with their mom and grandma. They all tried to ride out the storm in a bathroom. “But when an EF5 lands on top of your house… there's nothing you can do,” says Mr. Vargyas. His wife and mother-in-law are hospitalized with injuries. He vows the family, which includes two older children, will recover and stay strong. He wants people to know what his daughters were like and will share his memories tonight on the program.
Dogs heal victims in Oklahoma hospitals
Anderson Cooper meets trainer Tim Hetzner who teaches dogs to comfort and heal victims through their unconditional love. He's part of the Lutheran Church Charities organization that travels to where they're most needed after disasters and crisis situations. "It's rewarding to help people .. and to watch what God can do through them," says Hetzner about the Golden Retrievers.
Mother: Not a soul who didn't love daughter
A grieving mother experienced every parent's worst nightmare when she saw her daughter, Shannon Quick, die in the Oklahoma tornado. Joy Waldroop tells Anderson Cooper about the horrific ordeal and what she'll miss most about Shannon, a loving mom to two sons.
To donate to Shannon Quick's family, go to www.gofundme.com/30mh60
Husband ripped from wife's arms in tornado
The last time Jerrie Bhonde saw her husband, Hemant, was right before powerful winds carried him away when the tornado ripped through Oklahoma on Monday. "I felt like I was in a blender," she says about the violent storm. "I held onto my husband as long I could and then he just flew into space." Bhode believes he's being taken care of in Heaven now. She shares her story with Anderson Cooper.
Comfort dogs: The calm after the storm
Dogs trained by Lutheran Church Charities are in Oklahoma to soothe victims of the tornado. CNN's Gary Tuchman reports.
Oklahoma principal had faith in teachers
Principal Shelley Jaques-McMillin talks to Anderson Cooper about how her elementary school, Briarwood, braced for the tornado that destroyed much of Moore, Oklahoma on Monday.
Teacher: Entire room caved in on us
Second grade teachers Annette Brown and Gina Janzen describe their fear when they couldn't move or breathe easily after the tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma on Monday.
Tornado hits home for a country star
Country singer Toby Keith's hometown, Moore, Oklahoma, was hit hard by a powerful tornado on Monday. He tells Anderson Cooper about the strength of the community and determination to rebuild.
Remembering Oklahoma victims
Anderson Cooper pays tribute to the Oklahoma residents who didn't survive the tornado.
Moore superintendent on storm shelters
Moore, Oklahoma school Supt. Susan Pierce says she wants tornado shelters in every school but it's an economic challenge.
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