At least five people were killed and hundreds of homes — and at least two churches — were destroyed or damaged when tornadoes struck several Alabama communities on March 25.

The deaths occurred in Calhoun County in east Alabama, where Ohatchee, Wellington and nearby communities were struck.

Calhoun Baptist Association Director of Missions Roger Willmore said one church in the association, Wellington First Baptist Church, was “totally destroyed.” It is the second time the church has been hit by a tornado. On April 27, 2011, the church suffered severe damage as the structure was rocked on its foundation, causing the backside of the building to fall off. That tornado also ripped away much of the church’s roof. The rebuilding project following the 2011 tornadoes was completed in late 2012.

Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade said the twister cut a diagonal path across the county, striking mostly rural areas — something that likely kept the death toll from being higher, he said…(continued)

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