Missouri Governor Blunt Announces Approval of Disaster Assistance for Missourians in Three Counties

Assistance Will Help Missourians Impacted by May 10 Tornadoes

May 23, 2008 -- JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today announced President Bush approved a request for Individual Assistance for Barry, Jasper and Newton Counties impacted by the May 10, 2008 tornadoes. FEMA has not made a decision on the governor’s request for Public Assistance for that same disaster.

Missouri lightning strike: Photo by Mohan R (CC)

“The tornadoes our state experienced this month were devastating to our citizens and our communities in Kansas City and Southwest Missouri,” Gov. Blunt said. “I am grateful the president acted favorably on one of my requests for assistance in response to the May 10 tornadoes. However, I am very disappointed that FEMA did not approve my request for a similar disaster declaration for the May 2 tornadoes.”

The May 10 tornadoes caused 16 deaths and more than 200 storm related injuries, in addition to leaving 9,000 customers without power in Barry, Jasper and Newton Counties. The damage assessments were completed on May 15th. The Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments included inspections of more than 550 damaged primary residences in the three counties. One hundred and fifty-four homes were destroyed and 58 homes had major damage. The teams also identified $6.2 million in costs to public infrastructure.

The May 2 tornadoes affected more than 1,800 homes in Clay, Douglas and Jackson Counties. Eighty-two homes were either destroyed or suffered major damage. The teams also identified $2.5 million in costs to public infrastructure.

Source: Missouri Governor

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