Jefferson City, Missouri – A series of powerful storms roared across Missouri from late March into early April, producing tornadoes, heavy rains and widespread flooding that devastated communities across the state. Governor Mike Kehoe officially urged President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster following the devastation from March 30 to April 8, hence releasing federal funding for reconstruction and relief in 26 severely affected counties.
Initial reports verified six fatalities during the severe weather; local emergency responders, faith-based organizations, and volunteers rushed to clear debris and check on storm-affected neighbors. Yet, as Governor Kehoe noted, “Missouri has repeatedly been hit hard by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding this year,” straining the capacities of both local governments and state agencies beyond their limits.
Reflecting the unrelenting character of the devastation, eighteen of the counties covered in this most recent appeal overlap with those listed in an earlier disaster request filed on April 2. Drawing on estimates by FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and regional officials, the governor’s office tallied more than $25.5 million in emergency response outlays and infrastructure harm alone.
To address individual hardship, the request seeks FEMA Individual Assistance for 20 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Vernon, Washington and Wayne. If approved, residents in these areas could apply for aid to cover temporary lodging, home repairs, the replacement of personal property and vehicles, and other qualifying needs.
In addition, Governor Kehoe’s plan includes FEMA Public Assistance for 25 counties, extending support for local governments and eligible nonprofits to recoup the costs tied to emergency operations and post-storm recovery. Those counties are Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Vernon, Wayne and Webster. Under this program, funds can be used to rebuild or replace damaged roads, bridges and other vital public infrastructure.
Missourians grappling with unmet needs can dial 2-1-1 to reach United Way or call the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For updates on cleanup guidelines, housing help and mental health resources, residents are encouraged to visit recovery.mo.gov.
As communities begin the long road to recovery, the governor underscored the importance of federal backing.
While Missourians and faith-based and volunteer organizations have been supporting their neighbors and local and state government are working hard at recovery, the cost of these efforts – often because of repeated damage in the same counties – is beyond the capacity of local communities and the state to bear in full,” Gov. Kehoe added.
