Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Issues Disaster Declaration In Response to Taum Sauk Dam Flooding
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today signed two State of Emergency Disaster Executive Orders authorizing state agencies and the Missouri National Guard to respond to local requests resulting from the Taum Sauk reservoir failure in Reynolds County, early this morning.
"Missouri’s outstanding First Responders and state employees are responding quickly and efficiently in their fellow citizens’ time of need," Blunt said. "I am personally overseeing the state’s response and want to personally assure all Missourians that we are working diligently to respond to this tragic event and to assist in recovery efforts."
One executive order directs state departments and personnel to assist the relief efforts in Reynolds County. The second executive order directs the Missouri National Guard to assist with response efforts.
State agencies responding in Reynolds County include: Missouri Departments of Natural Resources, Transportation, Department of Public Safety Agencies Highway Patrol, Water Patrol and SEMA. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army are establishing sheltering and feeding operations for evacuated citizens in Lesterville.
SEMA activated the State Emergency Operations Center to monitor response requests mid-morning.
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