COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says he has put forth a series of steps to address recovery efforts in 11 counties, including Richland, following the deadly tornadoes that touched down earlier this month. Among those steps is requesting a federal disaster declaration from the Biden administration.
Friday's announcement comes after members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a damage assessment in the impacted areas this week.
Here are the 11 Ohio counties that are included of the request for aid:
- Auglaize
- Crawford
- Darke
- Delaware
- Hancock
- Licking
- Logan
- Mercer
- Miami
- Richland
- Union
The hardest hit area was in Logan County, where the severe weather left three people dead and 25 injured. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF2 tornado hit near Orchard Island and also passed through Lakeview as an EF3. The resulting damage closed Indian Lake State Park for two weeks.
“After the recent tornadoes in Indian Lake and the surrounding region, I promised that we would do all we can to support those who lost their homes or businesses, or had their homes or businesses severely damaged, to help them on the road to recovery,” said DeWine in a statement. “Today I am initiating several steps for potential relief for Indian Lake and the surrounding communities.”
DeWine says he is seeking a FEMA Presidential Disaster Declaration from the White House and has written a request to President Joe Biden. If the declaration is granted, it will allow FEMA aid "for eligible damages that have not been reimbursed by other government programs or private insurance." The governor's office noted that declarations are granted at the president's discretion and often take several months to be issued.
You can read the declaration request here:
Ohio's U.S. Senators, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) jointly wrote a letter to President Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, urging them to "act swiftly" on DeWine's request for a disaster declaration.
As part of the FEMA declaration request, DeWine says his administration is starting the process of activating the federal Small Business Administration’s relief programs following a disaster. The SBA issues low-interest loans to businesses and individuals to cover eligible damages. DeWine's office notes that according to federal guidelines, the SBA may begin to set up a local office and prepare for loan applications no sooner than 21 days after a FEMA declaration request.
In addition, DeWine says he has directed his cabinet agencies "to develop a plan for state-level financial relief programs for individuals and businesses that can be implemented jointly with the Ohio General Assembly to get affected Ohioans assistance" while the Biden administration considers the FEMA declaration request.
Earlier this month, DeWine declared a state of emergency for Logan County and the 10 other counties affected by the deadly storms. The declaration ordered state departments and agencies to lend services, equipment, supplies and personnel to assist in the response and recovery efforts.
Northeast Ohio has also been involved in the clean-up process, as the Stark County Sheriff's Office dispatched deputies to help assist with search and rescue operations in Logan County.
“In times of crisis, it’s imperative that communities come together to support one another. The devastation in Logan County calls for a united response, and I am proud of our deputies for their readiness to assist those in need,” explained Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier. “Our thoughts are with the victims of these devastating storms.”
3News' Anna Meyer contributed to this story.
Previous Reporting:
- Indian Lake State Park reopens following tornado cleanup efforts
- FEMA arrives in central Ohio for damage assessments
- Logan County EMA officials give update following last week's deadly tornadoes
- NWS: Indian Lake tornado reached max wind speeds of 155 mph
- DeWine declares state of emergency in 11 counties affected by deadly storms
