Missouri’s governor is asking President Donald Trump to approve a major disaster declaration for the state, which would enable federal disaster aid for flood victims.
Under the request by Gov. Eric Greitens, individuals and businesses who suffered flooding damage in 37 counties could become eligible for financial assistance. The disaster declaration, if approved, would also help 45 Local governments and nonprofits.
Major flooding in Missouri that began April 28 brought at least a dozen rivers and major creeks to record highs. Many of the affected counties are in the central and southern part of the state.
Some 150 people in West Plains sought shelter away from their homes the first night of the floods. In Shannon County, over 14 inches of rain fell in four days, devastating the area's tourism industry that relies on visitors to its rivers and trails. The Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management said preliminary damage to its public infrastructure is over $168,000. It had also received 174 damage reports as of May 10 from Greene County citizens whose homes, properties or businesses were damaged by flooding.
The state has established a website for flood victims to obtain more information about the flood and ways to receive help.
