Sunday, March 12, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Engages SEMA in Response to Southern Missouri Storms
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt has activated the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to coordinate the state storm response following this morning’s fatal tornadoes.
“We are working to ensure that families and communities affected by this deadly storm have access to the resources they need as soon as possible,” Blunt said. “I have directed SEMA to continue monitoring weather across the state and to remain on standby as we expect additional storms through the evening and overnight.”
SEMA has an area coordinator on the ground in Perryville, Mo. working with local law enforcement and emergency personnel to help set up and manage disaster recovery resources. Area coordinators have also been in contact with local emergency managers across the state. Red Cross officials are in contact with those affected by the storms and are helping with recovery efforts.
Blunt activated SEMA at response level one, which means approximately six personnel are on site at SEMA headquarters and additional SEMA staff remain on standby. SEMA staff will monitor storms throughout the night and continue to assess needed resources.
Winds from this morning’s tornadoes are estimated at 113 to 206 miles per hour. Two people were killed when their vehicle was pushed off the road by the strong winds, and at least seven homes have been destroyed and several businesses severely damaged. SEMA will have a more complete report of overall damages tomorrow when storms are expected to loosen their grip on the state.
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