Oklahoma Governor Henry Tours Tornado-Ravaged Picher
By admin - Posted on May 12th, 2008
May 11, 2008 -- Oklahoma City - Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry made the following remarks today after surveying tornado-ravaged sections of Picher, Oklahoma. At least six deaths and more than 150 injuries occurred as the result of a tornado that swept through the Ottawa County town Saturday, May 10.
Oklahoma tornado damage: Photo by Matthew Minnix (CC)
The Governor toured Picher with state Department of Emergency Management director Albert Ashwood, Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment Miles Tolbert, state Department of Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Ward and state Adjutant General Harry M. Wyatt III.
“The extent of damages in Picher is both breathtaking and profound. Like all Oklahomans, my thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones and those who sustained injuries in this tragedy.
“Picher was the most severely hit among several Oklahoma communities ravaged by Saturday’s storms. We will do everything in our power to ensure that those impacted by the tornadoes receive the assistance they need to recover from this ordeal. My office and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management are working closely with FEMA and members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation to receive all eligible federal assistance. I have spoken with President Bush, and he has said the federal government stands ready to help the states impacted by yesterday’s tornadoes. Oklahoma already has declared a state of emergency in Ottawa County and we are closely monitoring the situation in other counties.
“I am particularly grateful to the extraordinary men and women who are helping Picher through this difficult time, including the National Guard, law enforcement agencies, medical personnel, civil emergency management officials, the Red Cross and other relief organizations. Everyone involved in this rescue and recovery effort has done amazing work.
“In my tour of the tornado-damaged area, I was struck by the strength and resolve of people who refuse to be cowed by tragedy. Sadly, this community is no stranger to adversity, and there is no adequate preparation to face devastation of this magnitude. But Oklahomans are an exceptional people. We band together and help our friends and neighbors. We forge ahead and persevere, and that is exactly how we will get through this, too.”
Source: Oklahoma Governor
Bookmark/Search this post with:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Login to post comments
Related articles
- Federal Tornado Relief on Track for Three Oklahoma Counties
- Bush Grants NH Gov. Lynch’s Request For Tornado Disaster Declaration
- Oklahoma Governor Henry Announces Federal Disaster Assistance Approved for Craig, Latimer, Pittsburg Counties
- Missouri Governor Blunt Announces Approval of Disaster Assistance for Missourians in Three Counties
- Oklahoma Governor Henry Requests Federal Disaster Assistance from George W. Bush in Aftermath of Picher Tornado
Latest stories
- Keating Economics
- Pelosi: The Legislation Has Failed But the Crisis Has Not Gone Away; We Must Work in a Bipartisan Way to Pass New Legislation
- Congressman Hoyer Statement Following Vote on Emergency Economic Stabilization Act
- Senator McCaskill Calls for Greater Accountability on Wall Street
- Senator Bob Casey Statement on Bailout Bill
- Senator Hillary Clinton Calls for Bipartisan Action on Economic Crisis
- Congress Passes Obama, Murkowski, Allen Bill to Ban Dangerous Mercury Exports
- Barack Obama Statement on Financial Plan Breakthrough
- Barack Obama Calls on VA Secretary to Provide Critical Data on Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans to Improve Veterans Services
- Statement from Senator Barack Obama on Washington Mutual
Yes We Can
Yes We Can:
