Kalamazoo Tornado Survivors Continue Recovery One Year Later

One year after a powerful EF-2 tornado struck Portage and Kalamazoo County, Michigan, many residents continue to deal with both the physical aftermath and lasting emotional trauma. Families like the Zemlicks are still repairing their homes and lives after extensive property damage, while others in affected areas such as Pavilion Estates trailer park face ongoing distress and PTSD, with visible scars and lingering questions about future storms. Despite significant recovery efforts, not all homes and infrastructure have been restored, and some residents still live with makeshift repairs or unreplaced damage. The tornado, which destroyed or damaged hundreds of structures but miraculously caused no fatalities, prompted a large-scale response from emergency services and demonstrated the community’s preparedness. However, the loss of century-old trees and transformed landscapes serve as enduring reminders of the storm’s impact. Many survivors express gratitude for their safety but acknowledge that the emotional and financial challenges of recovery remain significant.