JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (WSIL) -- Gov. Mike Kehoe has requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump to aid areas in southeast Missouri hit by severe storms and tornadoes.
“Just as our first responders, citizens, and faith-based and volunteer organizations have responded with great dispatch and compassion, our state and local emergency management teams have quickly assessed and documented the overwhelming destruction of the May 16 severe storms. It is abundantly clear that Missouri families need rapid federal assistance to rebuild homes and lives, and to continue moving forward,� Governor Kehoe said. “We are requesting federal assistance to quickly get desperately needed funds flowing to individuals and families as we prepare to document the need for federal assistance to remove debris and repair damaged infrastructure in the days ahead.�
The request aims to provide federal assistance to Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties, as well as the City of St. Louis. The storms on May 16 caused seven fatalities and extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
FEMA Individual Assistance would help residents with temporary housing, repairs, and other expenses. Kehoe's request followed damage assessments conducted by federal, state, and local teams on May 21 and 22.
In support of recovery efforts, the Missouri National Guard will deploy up to 41 members of the 35th Engineer Brigade to assist with debris removal in St. Louis. They are scheduled to be on site starting Wednesday, May 28.
Since May 20, a Missouri National Guard Liaison Officer has been advising St. Louis officials on recovery missions. SEMA continues to work with local partners to support affected families.
Missourians in need can contact United Way at 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For more information on disaster recovery, you can find it .
