CONVENT — St. James Parish Government employees, and residents of the community, observed a moment of silence Friday morning in recognition of the victims of this week’s severe weather event.

Two people died Tuesday when a tornado blasting winds of 130 mph or more smashed through the Sugar Hill RV Park in Convent.

Media reports identified the victims as out-of-state contractors: Scott Ellis, 51, of Brevard, N.C., and David Swann, 59, of Satsuma, Ala.

St. James Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness staffer said they received notification of the tornado at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Damage and destruction was so bad that local government officials asked residents of the mobile home park who wished to return to retrieve belongings to first stop by the Old Romeville Elementary School Gym in Convent.

Those still in need of assistance or looking for ways to help are asked to contact the St. James Parish Department of Human Resources at 225-562-2344.

First Baptist Church of Gramercy is accepting donations to distribute to families in need.

The church is located at 1046 North Airline Avenue in Gramercy.

Acadian Ambulance initially brought 30 injured individuals to area hospitals. About 100 RVs and mobile homes were damaged at the RV Park.

St. James Parish Government created a webpage to provide a centralized source for information concerning relief efforts following Tuesday’s severe weather: stjamesla.com/tornadorelief. The website will be updated continuously.