Federal Disaster Aid Ordered For Ohio Tornado Recovery (And Some Scary Pictures)

FEMA ^ | 11/19/02 | Unattributed

[TonyInOhio]

Washington, D. C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available to help families and businesses in northwestern Ohio recover from the string of violent tornadoes that ravaged the area last week.

FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said President Bush authorized the assistance under a major disaster declaration issued for Ohio following a review of the agency's analysis of the state's request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from severe storms and tornadoes that occurred November 10.

"President Bush understands how devastating these storms have been and that Ohioans need help to get back on their feet," Allbaugh said. "We will do all that we can to make sure that everyone in need of assistance receives it as fast and efficiently as possible."

Immediately after the President's action, Allbaugh designated the counties of Hancock, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca and Van Wert eligible for federal aid to stricken residents and business owners.

[TonyInOhio]

Recovery efforts are coming along.

Here's what it looked like as it approached Continental, Ohio:

This is what's left of a house near Van Wert:

Here's the movie theater where some 60 children were rushed to safety minutes before the tornado hit:

This is a Van Wert factory. Note the semi trailer in the roof:

Over a thousand volunteers from neighboring Ohio and Indiana counties have helped in the Van Wert recovery efforts. Thankfully, the Federal aid will help keep some of the damaged companies afloat while they rebuild.

Tony

[buffyt]

God bless Ohio!!!!