On May 1, Governor Mike Kehoe formally requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump in response to devastating storms, tornadoes, and flooding that struck Missouri between March 30 and April 8. The storms caused widespread damage across 26 counties and were responsible for six confirmed fatalities.
Governor Kehoe emphasized that the scale of destruction—particularly in areas repeatedly hit by severe weather—has overwhelmed the resources of many local governments and the state. “While communities have come together to help one another, the scope and frequency of these events require additional federal support,” Kehoe said.
The request includes FEMA Individual Assistance for 20 counties-Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Vernon, Washington, and Wayne. It would provide aid for temporary housing, home repairs, and the replacement of personal property. FEMA Public Assistance is also being requested for 25 counties to help local governments and nonprofits recoup costs related to emergency response and infrastructure repair.
Joint damage assessments conducted by federal and state agencies, including FEMA and SEMA, estimate over $25.5 million in damages and emergency costs.
Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to call United Way at 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. Additional recovery resources are available at recovery.mo.gov.
