Jefferson City, Missouri – Governor Mike Kehoe stated on Thursday, May 8, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will join Missouri’s own emergency authorities to assess damage caused by last month’s severe weather.
Powerful thunderstorms tore across southwest and southeast Missouri late on April 28 and into the early hours of April 29. At least one verified tornado and straight-line winds left roads strewn with debris, bridges requiring repair, and many families picking up the pieces. In the days that followed, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) moved into action, sending crews to record every damaged overpass and cracked pavement.
“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.
“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been on the ground for days, helping local officials document damage. Our local partners and SEMA believe the emergency response costs and damage to roads, bridges, and other important public infrastructure warrant a formal review by FEMA and meet the levels required for a federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance.”
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The state has therefore asked for joint Preliminary Damage Assessments—known as PDAs—in six counties: Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington. More counties will be added to the list once further information arrives. These evaluations will determine the long-term maintenance requirements and confirm the emergency response costs.
Beginning Tuesday, May 13, five PDA teams—each made up of FEMA officials, SEMA staff members and local emergency managers—will fan out across the impacted areas. Their job: verify the degree of damage to roads, bridges and other essential public facilities. The results will decide whether qualified nonprofit organizations and local governments may use FEMA’s Public Assistance program. The program compensates communities for infrastructure rehabilitation, emergency protective actions and debris clearance.
SEMA, on the other hand, keeps cooperating closely with county authorities, state agencies, and volunteer groups to guarantee families receive quick help. Residents whose homes were damaged are encouraged to submit insurance claims immediately to expedite any next governmental assistance.
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For those still facing unmet needs, help is just a phone call away. While the American Red Cross can be contacted at 1-800-733-2767, calling 2-1-1 will link you with United Way. Online at recovery.mo.gov, further help—from mental health resources to housing support to clean-up advice—is also accessible.
With involving FEMA, Missouri authorities want to obtain the knowledge and financing required to rebuild faster and stronger, so guaranteeing the safety and dependability of roads and bridges throughout six counties for all who travel them.
