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Following a devastating EF-3 tornado that tore through St. Louis, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the National Guard have been mobilized to assist with recovery efforts.
The catastrophic event, which struck on Friday, claimed five lives, injured 38 individuals, and caused significant damage to over 5,000 homes.
With an estimated $1 billion in damages, these two agencies will be instrumental in providing both immediate and long-term support for the community.
National Guard and FEMA’s Role in St. Louis Recovery
National Guard Deployment
As of Tuesday, the National Guard has been deployed to St. Louis, working closely with local authorities to assess the immediate needs of the city.
Their primary objective is to conduct on-the-ground evaluations and provide necessary resources to ensure public safety and support.
The exact duration of their presence in St. Louis will depend on ongoing assessments and the evolving situation.
FEMA’s Arrival
FEMA’s team will arrive in St. Louis on Wednesday to begin their critical work of assessing the damage caused by the tornado.
They will be working in collaboration with Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) over the next three days.
This evaluation is a necessary step in determining the eligibility for federal funding and assistance.
Key Details and Timeline
Date of FEMA and National Guard Operations
| Agency | Arrival Date | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Guard | Tuesday | Ongoing | Conducting damage assessments and providing security |
| FEMA & Partners | Wednesday | 3 Days | Evaluating damage and determining federal relief eligibility |
Mayor Cara Spencer emphasized that FEMA’s presence is crucial to secure a formal disaster declaration. She explained that in order for a federal disaster declaration to be made, a comprehensive evaluation of the damage must be carried out.
This evaluation will help FEMA quantify the extent of the destruction, allowing the necessary steps to proceed for requesting federal funding.
The Impact of the Tornado
The EF-3 tornado that struck St. Louis on Friday was catastrophic. It left a path of destruction across the city, with over 5,000 homes being impacted.
The damages are estimated to be in the range of $1 billion, making it one of the most severe natural disasters to hit the region in recent years.
Key Statistics
- Fatalities: 5 people killed
- Injuries: 38 people injured
- Damaged Homes: Over 5,000 homes
- Estimated Damage: $1 billion
The tornado also caused widespread disruption, and the city of St. Louis has been working tirelessly to begin the recovery process. City officials have been in contact with the White House, as well as Missouri’s Governor Mike Kehoe and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, in order to expedite federal aid.
Ongoing Efforts and Funding Options
As part of the recovery efforts, the city is reviewing local funding options and exploring if $10 million to $20 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds can be diverted to assist with recovery initiatives.
This would provide some immediate relief while waiting for federal assistance.
Interim Local Funding Review
- Funds under consideration: $10 million to $20 million
- Purpose: To support recovery until federal assistance arrives
FEMA and National Guard’s Support Process
Both FEMA and the National Guard will be involved in outlining the process for submitting a formal request for a national disaster declaration.
This step is essential for securing the necessary federal funding to rebuild and support affected residents. While FEMA will be assessing the damage, the National Guard will continue to provide support on the ground.
Warnings About Scams
In the wake of the disaster, officials have warned St. Louis residents about the potential for scams. FEMA has not yet begun operations in the area, so any individual claiming to be from FEMA should be reported.
The mayor’s office has specifically warned about fraudulent activities, such as people demanding money or personal information under the guise of FEMA assistance.
FEMA Scam Alerts
- What to look out for: Anyone asking for money or personal info
- Report to: FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362
It is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
The arrival of FEMA and the National Guard in St. Louis marks the beginning of the long road to recovery following the EF-3 tornado.
Their efforts will be crucial in assessing the damage and securing the necessary federal funding to support the city’s rebuilding process.
While the devastation is immense, the combined efforts of federal, state, and local agencies will ensure that St. Louis gets the help it needs to recover and rebuild.
As always, residents are advised to remain cautious of scams and to stay informed about ongoing recovery efforts.