FEMA, Iowans mark six month anniversary of historic disaster
Release Date: November 26, 2008
Release Number: 1763-222
» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Tragedy struck Iowa beginning May 25, 2008 when an EF5 tornado tore through the towns of Parkersburg and New Hartford leaving seven dead and hundreds homeless.
That catastrophe was compounded less than two weeks later when severe weather and heavy rains caused widespread flooding and devastation across the majority of the state.
Thursday, Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving Day - marks the six-month anniversary of the presidential disaster declaration of the historic period.
"The magnitude of this disaster pales in comparison to the indomitable spirit displayed by so many Iowans," said FEMAs Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Vogel. "FEMA is honored to be at the side of Iowans and our state partners as they rebuild from this disaster and lend a helping hand when needed."
"In this time of being thankful for the many blessings which have been bestowed upon us, I join Iowans in solemnly marking the sixth-month anniversary of this disaster."
Just four counties - Butler, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Delaware - were declared federal disaster areas between May 27 and May 30 following the Parkersburg-New Hartford tornado. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with state officials, responded by sending 39 disaster aid employees to the state and opening two disaster recovery centers to help the victims.
Those numbers dramatically increased after flood waters inundated cities and towns like Cedar Rapids, Oakville, Waterloo, Palo, Des Moines and Iowa City. Eventually, the original federal disaster declaration was amended to include storm and floodwater damage from May 25 to August 13.
The number of federally declared disaster counties went from four to 85 of Iowas 99 counties, and FEMA increased its response team to nearly 1,500 - which included 412 non-FEMA personnel (state, local hires and other federal agencies and contractors).
The normal application for assistance period following a disaster declaration is 60 days. Due to the severity of this disaster, however, the application period was extended for a total of 154 days.
That allowed over 40,000 Iowans to apply for assistance. The number of disaster recovery centers jumped from two to 72 statewide where more than 35,700 Iowans received counseling during their first steps on the road to recovery.
FEMA also set up two Area Field Offices in Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids in addition to the Joint Field Office in Des Moines.
Since the May 25 tornado, Iowans have received over $855 million in state and federal aid. Over half of that amount, $470 million, has gone to Public Assistance to help cities, counties and the state rebuild and repair public roads, buildings and bridges.
To date, more than $118 million in housing assistance and another $15.8 million in Other Needs Assistance - such as money to repair personal property not covered by insurance, transportation costs and medical expenses because of personal injuries sustained as a direct result of the disaster - have been approved for eligible Iowans.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $250 million in Federal low-interest disaster loans to Iowa homeowners, renters and businesses - $157.3 million to 3,114 Iowa homeowners and renters and $92.9 million to 657 Iowa businesses and private, non-profit organizations.
In addition, FEMA has provided mobile homes for more than 500 Iowa families displaced by flood waters and tornado devastation.
FEMA coordinates the federal governments role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 02-Dec-2008 23:10:40