KC Reporter

Jefferson City — Acting Governor Mike Kehoe announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of public infrastructure in several counties following severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that occurred from May 19 to May 27. The affected counties include Barry, Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Howell, McDonald, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas.

“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been on the ground helping local officials document damage, collect cost estimates, and substantiate the need for federal assistance,” Acting Governor Kehoe said. “As I observed during our visit last week, the severe storms that hit southern Missouri have caused major damage and disrupted the lives of families and businesses across the region. Initial damage reports clearly warrant a formal review by FEMA as part of the disaster declaration process.”

Joint PDA teams comprise representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials. Starting Wednesday, June 5th, five teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs such as repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

These PDAs are in addition to those beginning today for Individual Assistance. This assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal help for temporary housing, housing repairs or replacement of damaged belongings and vehicles.

On May 30th, Acting Governor Kehoe issued Executive Order 24-07 extending Missouri's State of Emergency declaration in response to recent severe weather events. Governor Mike Parson initially declared a State of Emergency on May 2nd through Executive Order 24-06.

Since late April, Missouri has experienced repeated severe weather events with the latest storm system occurring over Memorial Day Weekend. On May 26th multiple rounds of severe storms resulted in flooding and tornadoes across southern Missouri’s southeast region causing significant power outages and damage to homes and infrastructure.

SEMA continues to work with local officials along with state agencies and volunteer organizations to identify needs and assist impacted individuals. Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), which provide one-stop recovery resources will be scheduled soon.

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 more information about disaster recovery in Missouri including clean-up information housing assistance or mental health services please visit recovery.mo.gov.