In the wake of the severe storms that tore through southern Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe has announced a collaborative effort between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assess the damage inflicted upon public infrastructure. According to a statement released by the Governor's Office, the Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) will involve federal and local officials and centers on six counties ravaged by the storms from April 28 to 29.
“Last week, intense severe storms once again brought destruction to areas of Missouri, further burdening families, businesses, and communities already dealing with the aftermath of previous damaging severe weather,” Governor Kehoe said, as the storms added strain on regions previously scarred by similar events. The joint PDAs will scrutinize Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, and Washington counties, with the possibility of expanding as more damage reports come in from local authorities. Also, beginning next Tuesday, teams comprising FEMA, SEMA, and local emergency management officials will the damage documented, scouting to see if the threshold for Public Assistance through FEMA is met.
This partnership underscores the critical evaluation needed for potential federal disaster declaration and subsequent aid that could bolster the impacted communities. Public Assistance, as it's termed, offers a lifeline to local governments and qualifying nonprofits in compensating emergency responses and facilitating the recovery, tackling the cost of repairs to shattered roads and bridges, among other infrastructure.
In alignment with the ongoing relief efforts, SEMA has actively engaged with various stakeholders within the state—local officials, state agencies, volunteers, and faith-based groups—to ensure that those facing the brunt of the storm are sufficiently supported. Missourians with damage are urged, while dealing with their own personal recoveries, to report to their insurance companies and file claims without delay. Additionally, those who find themselves grappling with unmet needs are encouraged to reach out to United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. More resources, along with detailed recovery information, can be found on Missouri's dedicated disaster recovery page.
