By Michelle Crean

A local woman, originally from the Czech Republic, has set up a fundraising page after part of her country was destroyed by a recent tornado.

Jana Lalikova, who has been living in Ireland for more than 13 years, was shocked when, on Thursday the June 24, South Moravia in the Czech Republic was struck by a devastating tornado.

With its people trying to get back on their feet, Jana, who runs a rehabilitation and physiotherapy practice at the Perfect Therapy Clinic at the Reeks Gateway in Killarney, is fundraising to help.

"South Moravia in the Czech Republic, is a region of sun, wine and easy-going people. It's one of the most beautiful regions in the country," Jana told the Killarney Advertiser.

"My brother, a frontline emergency worker, text me that night to say he was called to the epicentre of the disaster. His message read: "We are okay, but the view is terrifying... It looks like a war zone"."

The tornado swept through several villages, killing five people and leaving more than 150 injured.

"People's homes were flattened and they were left without adequate accommodation or support. For that reason I am reaching out to ask for donations, no matter how small, to help support the communities and families affected by this disaster."

Rather than going in to a central fund, Jana's efforts will specifically help one family, the details of which she has not received yet.

"If a family needs to replace a roof or rebuild, the money I help raise will help that one family."

Jana is no stranger to fundraising locally over the years and has helped with a recent Crumlin appeal.

Since the tornado hit clients coming in to the clinic has donated even without any prompting from Jana.

"I would like to say a big thank you to my clients and friends who are helping and supporting me in this effort," she said.

"I'd really appreciate it if you could share or donate to this GoFundMe 'Help people in Czech Republic after tornado'."