The international humanitarian relief organization Convoy of Hope is responding to the needs of residents of Moore, Okla., following massive tornado damage.

The group says immediately after the devastating tornadoes struck, a Convoy of Hope assessment team was in the area and tractor-trailers were loaded with emergency supplies at Convoy of Hope’s world distribution center in Springfield, Mo. They were set to arrive today by around noon.

“This is only the first phase of a full-scale response that will last for many weeks, if not months.,” says Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope. “In the coming days we will send more food, water and supplies to help families begin rebuilding their lives.” 

The group says it is working with federal and state officials as well as local volunteer organization to help coordinate its response.

The area near Oklahoma City was hit Monday by the storms causing widespread damage. At least 200 people were injured and 24 people were killed, though both numbers have fluctuated several times. Portions of I-35 and I-44 that were closed flowing the disaster have since reopened, but traffic in the area is reported to be moving slowly.

A preliminary estimate from the National Weather Services places the tornado as the second most powerful type of twister. In 1999 Moore was hit by a tornado producing the strongest winds ever recorded near the earth’s surface at 302 miles per hour. Monday’s tornado was the fourth to strike the area since 1998.