LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Since the devastating EF-3 tornado struck central Arkansas on March 31, 2023, stories of damage, recovery and hope have come from many communities statewide.
On Friday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders visited the affected areas. With community leaders by her side, Sanders spoke about the hurt and healing they've seen throughout Arkansas since that tragic day.
"I'm so proud of the progress that we have made since that Friday a year ago," Sanders said.
One of those stops included the Pulaski County Title, located off Cantrell Road in Little Rock. Sanders reflected on the moments after the tornado hit.
"I'm sure all of us remember those frantic first minutes and hours after the storm," Sanders said. "In my office, we were making calls to emergency managers and our own families."
Community leaders, like Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., also shared stories about what they remember from the storm one year ago.
"Minutes and seconds after the tornado hit, Governor Sanders and I were on the phone," Scott said. "Focused on the people of Little Rock and Arkansas."
According to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, Sanders officially requested a presidential disaster declaration within 24 hours of the disaster.
Sanders said her father, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, always governed with the motto "people first and paperwork later." That message resonated with her after the tornado.
Additionally, Sanders visited the New Commandment Church in Jacksonville, meeting with Pastor Eddie Miller, the congregation leader.
Miller said last year's tragedy didn't spare their church.
“March 31 was breathtaking,” Miller said. “It was like going from the highest high to the lowest low because our church had just been paid off.”
Miller said they're waiting for the grand opening of their new church and that it's important to reflect.
"To see where we are now and know that God never left us," Miller said. "He only had something bigger planned for us."
Sanders said the support won't stop for Arkansans as recovery continues.
“Recovery is never easy, and the scars still haven't fully healed,” Sanders said. “We will not stop supporting you until Little Rock and all other Arkansas communities are rebuilt.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state and local agencies reported that the tornado damaged $70-$90 million of public infrastructure.
Three hundred forty-seven loans totaling more than $21 million have been made to homeowners and renters, while 30 loans have been provided to businesses.