Response Updates

Convoy Providing Relief After Tennessee Wildfires

USA Reported by Convoy of Hope
Dakota Cogdill sifts through the remains of a home after a wild fire burned the home Monday night in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. (Tom Sherlin/The Daily Times via AP)
Dakota Cogdill sifts through the remains of a home after a wild fire burned the home Monday night in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. (Tom Sherlin/The Daily Times via AP)

November 30, 2016 | 1:35 p.m.

Over the past few days wildfires have swept through parts of Tennessee. An estimated 15,000 acres have been burnt to the ground. According to reports, the fires have spread with little warning from the Great Smoky Mountains into the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. More than 700 buildings have been destroyed, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and seek shelter.

Following communication with both state and local officials, we loaded a tractor-trailer with 36 pallets of relief supplies that will be delivered in the areas of greatest need. Our Disaster Services team will deliver the load and continue working with the local officials to provide support in setting up distributions.

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In Nepal, Uttam was forced to flee his farm and village because of his political affiliation. After years spent living in fear and hiding from danger, he finally returned home determined to rebuild his life.

When he got back, the challenges and uncertainty multiplied as he tried