Governor Parson Requests Federal Disaster Declaration in Response to Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Governor Mike Parson requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to 15 counties in response to multiple severe weather systems that impacted the state from May 19 – 27. These storms generated tornadoes, high winds, heavy rain, and flooding across southern Missouri, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local partners have been working tirelessly and in close coordination with FEMA to document damage in the areas impacted by these storms,” Governor Parson said. “Today, we are requesting a federal disaster declaration to further support the affected communities and their recovery efforts. We are confident federal assistance will be forthcoming and greatly appreciate the critical work already being done by local response agencies and many volunteer partners to help Missourians in need.”

Joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials estimate more than $20 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure.

Based on the assessments, Governor Parson is requesting Public Assistance for the following counties: Barry, Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Howell, McDonald, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas.

If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

Governor Parson is also requesting Individual Assistance in the following 10 counties: Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas. Of 543 homes assessed in these counties, 171 sustained major damage, and 20 were destroyed.

Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), one-stop shops for recovery resources, were hosted in Sikeston on June 9 and 10 and in Dexter on June 11. These MARCs served over 1,000 impacted individuals from 373 households. A fourth MARC is open until 8 p.m. today at Cotttonwood Community Center in Doniphan.

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.