President Biden Approves Disaster Declaration for Ohio After Devastating March Tornadoes

President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration for Ohio, making federal funding available to individuals and businesses in 11 counties affected by the devastating tornadoes that struck the state on March 14, 2024. The declaration comes in response to a request from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who wrote to President Biden on March 29, seeking federal assistance for the affected areas.

The 11 counties eligible for federal relief funding are Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland, and Union. The funding will support those impacted by the tornadoes, providing grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the disaster.

Why this matters: This disaster declaration highlights the importance of federal support in responding to natural disasters, ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary resources to recover and rebuild. This disaster declaration highlights the importance of federal support in responding to natural disasters, ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary resources to recover and rebuild. The timely provision of aid can significantly impact the speed and effectiveness of disaster recovery, thereby saving lives and reducing the economic burden on local communities.

Governor DeWine expressed his appreciation for the federal support, stating,"Ohio EMA and my administration have worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of the victims of the recent tornadoes in and around Indian Lake. I thank FEMA and the President for hearing our calls to provide needed federal relief to affected Ohioans as soon as possible. "He pledgedto continue pushing the administration and FEMA to ensure that support reaches those affected by the storms.

The March 14 tornadoes resulted in three fatalities and 38 injuries in Logan County alone, where an EF-3 tornado touched down. Other counties experienced EF-1 and EF-2 tornadoes, causing widespread damage and destruction. In total, eight tornadoes tore through central Ohio, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) welcomed the announcement, saying, "Today's announcement is welcome news and will get additional necessary resources to the families and businesses recovering after the deadly tornadoes that swept through Central Ohio a month and a half ago." He pledged to continue pushing the administration and FEMA to ensure that support reaches those affected by the storms.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. The federal government has appointed Toney Raines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate the recovery operations in the affected areas.

In addition to the individual assistance, federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. This support will help Ohio implement measures to reduce the risk of future disasters and protect its communities from potential hazards.

The disaster declaration marks a significant step in Ohio's recovery process, providing much-needed relief and resources to those affected by the March tornadoes. The state's ongoing rebuilding and healing efforts will rely heavily on the federal government's support in helping individuals, families, and businesses get back on their feet and move forward.

Key Takeaways

• President Biden approves disaster declaration for 11 Ohio counties affected by March 14 tornadoes.
• Federal funding available for individuals and businesses in eligible counties.
• Funding supports temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans for uninsured losses.
• Declaration enables federal support for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
• Residents and business owners can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA.