Austin-area group pitches in to help clean up after Franklin tornado

A group from Hutto headed to Franklin, Texas on Sunday to help clean up after the town was hit by an EF-3 tornado on Saturday.

The group, 7 Slot Response, is back in the town for a second day after helping with cleanup on Saturday.

“We’re gearing up for another day!” the group wrote on its Facebook page on Sunday.

The group calls itself “a group of Jeepers committed to helping others in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.”

“We will offer ground support and help rebuild the Franklin Food Pantry … All support and help is greatly appreciated. We are in need of chainsaws!”

We landed in Franklin, TX… This little town was hit hard by a tornado in today’s storm. We worked with law enforcement and first responders in order to clear debris!

The tornado left a trail of destruction in Franklin on Saturday.

About a dozen people suffered minor injuries, but no significant injuries or deaths were reported.

Around 40 homes were destroyed and many more damaged, according to 7 Slot Response. At least 20 cars were damaged. More than 3,500 residents lost power across Roberson County.

Most of the damage is within a six-block radius in Franklin — south of Highway 79 starting from 46 to Calvert Street, going about four blocks in.

Ellison, the Robertson County judge, said “we’ve lost about half of the south side of Franklin.”

“It’s totally destroyed,” Ellison said.

The town’s public works building, garbage trucks and city equipment was damaged.

On Saturday, 7 Slot Response worked with law enforcement and first responders to help clear debris.

On Sunday the group hopes to focus on rebuilding the town’s food pantry.

This isn’t the first time the group has lent a hand after a disaster. Last month members from 7 Slot Response took their Jeeps to Nebraska to help residents affected by flooding.

The team first joined forces in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

RELATED: Tornado in Franklin, Texas causes major damage to homes, cars

Franklin’s population is about 1,500, while the county has just over 16,000 people, according to the most recent U.S. Census.

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