Nechama disaster response equipment and volunteers were first on the scene in Buffalo Lake, MN when the town took a direct hit from a powerful tornado in late June. Severe damage was recorded throughout the town and to surrounding farms. Many homes and structures were completely destroyed. The tornado strew debris across large paths of planted fields making passage of harvesting vehicles impossible until the large pieces of scrap were cleared. Nechama played an active role in distributing equipment to residents, working with local volunteers and organizers, and bringing in 40 of its own volunteers to assist in the cleanup effort. Much of the activity included chain sawing of downed trees and clearing metal debris from fields. Two of the properties particularly affected were the Rettman and Laske farms just outside of town. Nechama spent much of its time helping these family to pickup and recover from the destructive force. The cleanup effort in Buffalo Lake was led by volunteers from Mt. Zion Temple in St. Paul.

In flood related activity, Nechama crew chiefs and volunteers worked identifying and sending cleanup crews to homes and apartments in Albertville and the surrounding town of St. Michael. Two days of cleanup will help residents as they approach the 4th of July holiday weekend. Most of the damage in these areas is from flooded basements. Nechama specializes in dealing with basement flooding and getting a home dried out so reconstruction or remodeling can begin.