Disaster assistance for Missouri victims

In the wake of devastating tornadoes that struck southwest Missouri on May 22, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended disaster assistance to individuals and families in Jasper and Newton counties in the Joplin area.

Among the declarations granted by the federal government agency, a public assistance declaration will cover costs associated with debris removal and emergency protective measures. That designation will allow local governments there to seek assistance for response and recovery expenses associated with the severe storm and tornadoes. In addition, individuals may be eligible for federal assistance to cover uninsured losses or expenses, such as temporary housing, home repair and replacement of household items.

The official Missouri website has compiled resources on such critical matters as the federal assistance to individuals and public agencies, as well as shelter locations, health professional volunteer registration, disaster unemployment assistance and tornado preparedness. This can be found at http://www.mo.gov/05222011joplintornadoes/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=joplintornado

Initial reports were that the late Sunday afternoon storm killed 89 and brought down 2,000 buildings in the Joplin area. As of May 24, the Associated Press reported there were 120 fatalities.