KC Reporter

Governor Mike Kehoe has initiated a request for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to engage in joint preliminary damage assessments across 23 Missouri counties. This move follows severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state from March 14-15, causing significant destruction.

Governor Kehoe stated, "As I observed during my visit to impacted areas this weekend, these storms and tornadoes caused widespread, devastating destruction and disrupted the lives of families and business across the Missouri." He emphasized that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is collaborating with local officials and believes the damage warrants FEMA's involvement in assessments.

The counties involved in the joint preliminary damage assessments include Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Stoddard, Wayne, Webster, and Wright.

Teams comprising representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and local emergency management will begin evaluations on March 20. These teams aim to verify documented damages to determine eligibility for Individual Assistance through FEMA. Such assistance can help residents with temporary housing needs and repair costs.

Preliminary estimates indicate approximately 368 houses were destroyed; 356 suffered major damage while 1,058 experienced minor damage. Evaluations of roads and infrastructure are ongoing and may lead to further requests for Public Assistance.

The National Weather Service (NWS) continues its assessment of tornado activity in Missouri. As of March 16th it confirmed twelve tornadoes ranging from EF1 to EF3 intensity across various counties including Franklin County (Elmont to Union), Jefferson County (Klondike Rd), Webster County (near Seymour), Oregon County (near Rover), among others.

Power restoration efforts have reduced outages significantly with fewer than 13 thousand customers still without electricity as of 6:00 p.m., down from an earlier figure of 47 thousand on Sunday afternoon. The State Emergency Operations Center remains active supporting recovery operations by coordinating resources requested by local partners.

Various volunteer organizations are also contributing support services such as meal provision by Red Cross Missouri along with shelter operations; debris removal assistance by Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief; water supply distribution by Convoy Hope; meal services provided by Salvation Army among others continue aiding affected communities.

Residents needing further assistance can contact United Way via dialing '2-1-1' or reach out American Red Cross at '1-800-733-2767'. Additional information regarding disaster recovery efforts within Missouri is available online at recovery.mo.gov