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AUGUST 5, 2002
UNEXPECTED STORM DAMAGES ASYLUM
ARKHAM, MA - An unexpected and unprecedented powerful storm cell struck just northwest of Arkham yesterday evening, passing over the grounds of the Arkham Asylum. Considerable damage has been done to both the grounds and the facilities of the mental health institution, and official reports state that many persons who were there, both staff and patients, have been injured. Several patients have also apparently fled the Asylum grounds after the storm passed and are now missing.
Rescue efforts continued at the hospital today, as both fire and police personnel attempted to find victims in the area of the collapsed recreation room and dining hall. Search efforts are also underway for the mental patients who have apparently left the Asylum grounds. Anyone seeing a person that they believe might be one of the missing patients is asked to please contact either the Arkham City Police main telephone number or the Massachussets State Police as soon as possible.
The storm itself seems to have been confined to the area immediately around the Asylum. Local meteorologist Stephon Bennet commented, "This is the darnedest thing. There was certainly a storm at the Asylum, but other parts of Arkham had clear and sunny skies. Never in all my years have I seen this kind of thing, not even drunk."
No comments have been forthcoming from Asylum director Howard Tillinghast.
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