KC Reporter

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that Missouri has requested the participation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for joint preliminary damage assessments in 20 counties. This follows severe storms and flooding that have affected the state since March 30, initiating a process for a potential second federal disaster declaration within a month.

"Missouri has again been battered by severe storms and significant flooding, causing widespread destruction and disrupting the lives of many families and businesses across the state," Governor Kehoe said. He highlighted that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been working alongside local officials to assess damage. The request for FEMA's participation in damage assessments signals the severity and extent of the impact.

The counties included in the assessment request are Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Cooper, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Vernon, Washington, and Wayne. As more information becomes available, additional counties may be added to the list.

Joint preliminary damage assessment teams will be composed of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials. Starting April 15, six teams will begin surveying and verifying documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance requests can be made through FEMA. This assistance would cover temporary housing, housing repairs, and replacement of damaged personal property and vehicles.

Ongoing evaluations of damage to public infrastructure such as roads and bridges may lead to further requests for joint damage assessments for Public Assistance in the coming week.

SEMA remains in communication with volunteer and faith-based organizations to help meet the needs of affected residents. Missourians requiring assistance are encouraged to reach out to the United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

For more information and resources on disaster recovery, including housing and mental health services, residents can visit recovery.mo.gov.