Kehoe planning federal disaster declaration request for July 9-11 storms

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Governor Moke Kehoe announced Friday that he is asking for local, state and federal damage assessments from flash flooding and storms over July 9-11.

The request comes in advance of an expected request for a federal disaster declaration. Kehoe said in a news release that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will join up for damage assessments in nine counties.

“These joint damage assessments with FEMA will verify damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in support of a request for a federal disaster declaration and federal assistance," Kehoe said in the news release. "This is an important next step as we continue working to assist our impacted communities.”

The counties to be assessed include Bollinger, Crawford, Madison, Morgan, Reynolds, Ripley, Washington and Wayne. The news release said more counties could be added as damage documentation continues.

Missouri Task Force 1 deployed to Reynolds County after heavy flooding in areas along the Black River. Floods left one person dead and forced evacuations, including more than 200 campers and staff from Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville.

The news release said SEMA's Emergency Human Services section is working with local and state agencies and organizations to form a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Reynolds County. MARCs are central locations where recovery and support resources can get to those who need them, including cleaning supplies, legal services, financial aid and insurance information.