KC Reporter

Governor Mike Kehoe has expanded his request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) to include Dunklin and Madison counties. This move follows severe storms on March 14-15 that caused widespread destruction across Missouri. The Governor had initially requested FEMA's participation in joint PDAs for 23 counties.

"As local teams survey, confirm and tally the damage, the scale of the destruction to homes and communities is growing," Governor Kehoe stated. "Damage totals and emergency response costs received and reviewed late yesterday and today have led me to add Dunklin and Madison counties to the request to FEMA for joint preliminary damage assessments. I appreciate the emergency managers, officials, and responders who are laboring 24/7 to meet people’s immediate needs while at the same time working to expedite the recovery of their communities."

The request now includes a total of 25 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Stoddard, Wayne, Webster and Wright.

Joint PDA teams will consist of representatives from FEMA, SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and local emergency management officials. Starting Thursday March 20th six teams will assess documented damages to determine eligibility for Individual Assistance through FEMA. This assistance provides support for temporary housing repairs replacement of damaged belongings vehicles among other expenses.

Initial estimates indicate approximately 369 houses were destroyed with 366 sustaining major damage while over 1 000 suffered minor damage Assessments on roads bridges public infrastructure continue which may lead later this week into requests seeking additional PDAs specifically Public Assistance Requests could increase if more significant damages emerge

Power outages are decreasing with fewer than eight thousand customers remaining without electricity as restoration efforts progress The State Emergency Operations Center remains active assisting in response recovery efforts across Missouri

Residents needing help can contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or reach out directly via American Red Cross at phone number provided For further resources information about disaster recovery visit website listed