Residents of Sunbright, Tennessee are faced with a disheartening prospect in the wake of a destructive EF-1 tornado: no federal or state funding to rebuild their shattered community. Morgan County officials have announced that the damage caused by the storm, which packed winds reaching up to 105 miles per hour, wasn't severe enough to meet the criteria for federal aid, as reported by WBIR.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) assessed the aftermath, where buildings had been torn apart and debris littered the community, but their evaluation found that the damage did not reach the threshold necessary for funding assistance. Despite their efforts to address "immediate, life-safety needs," the lack of financial support from higher levels of government leaves local residents to fend for themselves, according to information obtained by WATE.
While the early warning system is credited with saving lives, the absence of funding places a heavier burden on the shoulders of the victims. Morgan County E-911 officials, confirming the FEMA criteria were not met, suggest that community members now depend on non-profits, as well as other organizations and volunteers. This recommendation was given in a statement acquired by WVLT News. In light of the situation, county officials have planned a town hall meeting for April 9th at 6:30 p.m. to discuss future steps in recovery.
As they pick up the pieces, officials have advised the residents to take photographs of the storm damage to submit to their insurance companies. "During any cleanup efforts, avoid entering into any collapsed structures and avoid downed power lines," officials said, highlighting the safety measures people should undertake during recovery. State resources, although not extending to direct financial aid, have been provided to assist victims with insurance and disaster recovery, which, could offer a sliver of hope for the beleaguered community.
