Superstorm Sandy

This week the east coast of the United States has been hammered by superstorm Sandy. Many of us have family and friends in the areas affected by the storm, and our hearts go out to all who have been injured or seen property damage.

An Associated Press story in Wednesday's Southeast Missourian tallied U.S. fatalities from the storm to at least 50, with an additional 69 people killed in the Caribbean. Businesses, schools and mass transit were shut down. Thousands of flights were canceled. And more than 8.2 million people lost power.

Four volunteers from the American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri, based in Cape Girardeau, have been committed to the storm recovery. Ameren Corp. is also helping restore power in New Jersey.

While the devastation from this storm is tremendous, we know Americans will come to the aid of those affected. Whether you donate blood, travel to the storm-ravaged areas to help, or donate to disaster response charities like the Red Cross, we hope you consider how you may help.

Finally, we offer our prayers to God that those affected by the storm would be granted an extra measure of peace in this turbulent time.