Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency on Tuesday for three counties affected by a deadly tornado that caused serious damage.
Counties included in DeWine's emergency proclamation include Greene, Mercer, and Montgomery counties.
The emergency proclamation will allow:
- State agencies to provide resources and support beyond their normal authority, under the direction of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
- Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to suspend state purchasing requirements to support recovery efforts and obtain needed resources such as water and generators more quickly and efficiently.
President Donald Trump tweeted about the damage on Tuesday as well, stating "My Administration fully supports the people of the great State of Ohio as they begin the cleanup and recovery."
Sen. Rob Portman said he also stands by "ready to support and expedite the likely request for a federal disaster declaration."
Sen. Sherrod Brown likewise voiced support if a national emergency declaration were to be sought by DeWine.
On Tuesday, DeWine toured Celina, where a man died as a result of Monday's tornado, and the governor described the damage as "devastating."