Missouri – Missouri is mobilizing significant resources and federal support following a series of severe weather events that swept through the state from May 19 to May 27, causing widespread damage and disruption. Acting Governor Mike Kehoe has announced collaborative efforts with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) and has extended the state’s emergency declaration to accelerate recovery and aid processes.
Comprehensive Damage Assessment Underway
In response to the devastating impact of the recent storms, floods, and tornadoes, joint PDAs will commence in fifteen Missouri counties, including Barry, Bollinger, Butler, and others deeply affected by the weather.
These assessments will be crucial in substantiating the need for federal assistance as outlined by Acting Governor Kehoe: “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been on the ground helping local officials document damage, collect cost estimates, and substantiate the need for federal assistance,” he stated. The severity of the destruction witnessed by the Acting Governor during his recent visit underscored the urgent need for these evaluations, leading to the initiation of formal reviews by FEMA as part of the disaster declaration process.
The assessments involve teams from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials, who will begin their evaluations on Wednesday, June 5. Their goal is to verify documented damages to public infrastructure and determine the eligibility and scope for Public Assistance.
This federal aid is vital for local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies, enabling them to seek reimbursement for emergency response and recovery costs, including the repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other crucial infrastructure.
Extended Emergency and Ongoing Relief Efforts
On May 30, in response to the continued severe weather impacts, Acting Governor Kehoe issued Executive Order 24-07, extending Missouri’s State of Emergency, initially declared by Governor Mike Parson on May 2, 2024, through Executive Order 24-06.
This extension is part of a broader effort to manage the aftermath of repeated severe weather events that have plagued Missouri since late April, with the most intense storm system occurring over Memorial Day Weekend. These events have left thousands without power and inflicted significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, particularly in the southeast region of the state.
SEMA is actively coordinating with local officials, state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist affected families and individuals. Plans are underway to set up Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), which serve as one-stop shops for recovery resources, in the coming days.
For residents with unmet needs, resources are available through the United Way, accessible by dialing 2-1-1, and the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. Further information about disaster recovery, including cleanup tips, housing assistance, and mental health services, is available at recovery.mo.gov. Through these concerted efforts, Missouri aims to facilitate a swift and effective recovery process, demonstrating resilience and community spirit in the face of natural disasters.
