On the evening of April 28, 2026, an EF-3 tornado swept through Mineral Wells, Texas, bringing wind speeds between 136 and 165 miles per hour. The National Weather Service reported severe damage across the region, prompting the mayor to declare a local state of disaster and implement a 10 PM curfew to ensure the safety of residents. With the town's municipal resources stretched, the Mineral Wells Fire Department led the immediate emergency response efforts.
Assessing the damage
The destructive path of the tornado primarily affected the Industrial Park, Highway 180, Country Club Estates, and areas near the state park. In total, four homes were destroyed, 21 sustained heavy damage, and three faced special circumstances, affecting 28 households in all. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, with only a few minor injuries reported among the residents.
LEFT: Kuo-Cheng Ko traveled to Mineral Wells to assess the damage. | Photo: Yun-Yih Hwang RIGHT: Kuo-Cheng Ko (left) meets with Fire Chief Ryan Dunn (right) to discuss recovery efforts. | Photo: Mindy Wang
To understand the community's urgent needs, Kuo-Cheng Ko (葛國正), the Executive Director of the Tzu Chi Dallas branch, traveled to Mineral Wells on May 6 to assess the situation. Ko met with Fire Chief Ryan Dunn and Hannah Burkhall, President of the United Way of Palo Pinto County, to discuss immediate relief and long-term recovery plans. Dunn noted that the severe damage to local infrastructure would require a lengthy recovery process. During the assessment, volunteers observed that many families were left without homes, and downed power lines and structural debris still littered the streets.
Delivering essential aid
A collaborative relief effort quickly formed, bringing together local government entities, the United Way, and Tzu Chi volunteers. The city provided contact information and addresses for the affected families, while the United Way of Palo Pinto County arranged the venue and contacted residents directly. Other local non-profit organizations also assisted with post-disaster housing and community rebuilding.
LEFT: Kuo-Cheng Ko (left) meets with United Way President Hannah Burkhall (right). RIGHT: Kuo-Cheng Ko reads a letter of support to the attendees at the distribution. | Photos: Mindy Wang
On May 23, a distribution event was held at the Holiday Hills Country Club, located approximately two hours from the Tzu Chi facility in Dallas. During the event, emergency financial assistance and eco-blankets were provided to nine families, benefiting a total of 28 individuals. Volunteers took the time to listen to the survivors' experiences, aiming to offer stability and warmth during a highly challenging period.
LEFT: Volunteers introduce eco-blankets made from recycled PET bottles to survivors. RIGHT: A survivor expresses gratitude for the community support. | Photos: Mindy Wang
The collaborative approach between municipal departments and local organizations ensured that emergency resources reached those most in need. Through timely financial assistance and a compassionate presence, the residents of Mineral Wells continue their steady journey toward recovery and rebuilding their community.
Written by Yun-Yih Hwang (黃運憶)
