(UNION CITY) - Branch County officials are asking for time as Union City residents are processing the loss of lives and property from Friday's tornado.
During an update Saturday afternoon at Tuttle and Blossom Roads where the tornado started, Branch County Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Miner said that even though the tornado was rated an EF-3, it doesn't matter. He says the real focus is the loss of lives and people being hurt.
Miner says the storm did damage to approximately 70 buildings. Damage was anywhere from siding being torn off to complete destruction of structures.
Miner says the search and rescue teams used canines, drones and even divers in the recovery effort.
Miner and Branch County Sheriff Fred Blankenship did not give a number on how many people are still missing, as it remains an active scene.
Blakenship called the first responders and citizens 'heroic' for how they helped others at the first signs of danger.
Blakenship says the affected families aren't in need of groceries at this time. However, the community can offer financial support to the Red Cross or Branch County's Victim Services office, along with a fund set up by the Branch County United Way and the Branch County Community Foundation.