Afghanistan refugee reflects on tornado near 1 year anniversary

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-One of the most vulnerable populations of our community was hit the hardest during the 2021 tornadoes. 

“Something like a tornado never crossed their minds. And all they thought of was I’m coming to this place where I’m 100% guaranteed that I’m fine and I need not fear anything,” said International Center of Kentucky Executive Director Albert Mbanfu. 

A year later, the refugee community is still slowly recovering. 

“A shock like that will impact the refugees for a very long time,” said Mbanfu. 

Dozens of refugee and immigrant families were in the direct path of the tornadoes. 

“We were thinking ok safety is guaranteed here at least,” said refugee Sodaba Rohmaty. 

Rohmaty fled her home in Afghanistan and arrived in the U.S. in late November 2021. 

“It was only two weeks since our arrival in Bowling Green that the tornado hit,” said Rohmaty. 

She had no TV or radio to watch the news. 

Their home was destroyed, but luckily they were safe. The International Center of Kentucky helped them find a temporary place to stay. 

“We stayed there for I think it was two weeks. We stayed there for two weeks and during that time we got groceries and things to do there,” said Rohmaty. 

It’s an experience no one wants to live through, but Mbanfu says there is a silver lining. 

“It showed the refugees and immigrants that they were in a community that cares. It made them feel that they can be protected. And that is the good thing out of it,” said Mbanfu.