April 15th, 2025 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has formally requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) across 20 counties impacted by severe storms and flooding that began on March 30. This is the second time in less than a month that the state is pursuing a federal disaster declaration.
“Missouri has again been battered by severe storms and significant flooding, causing widespread destruction and disrupting the lives of many families and businesses across the state,” Governor Kehoe said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local emergency management officials have been working tirelessly to assess impacts, and we believe the extent of the damage clearly meets the threshold for FEMA to again participate in joint damage assessments.”
Counties included in the PDA request are: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Cooper, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Vernon, Washington, and Wayne. State officials say more counties could be added as reports continue to come in from local authorities.
Joint PDA teams will include representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management agencies. Beginning Tuesday, April 15, six teams will begin surveying documented damages to determine if the state qualifies for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. If approved, eligible Missourians could receive help with temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of personal property, vehicles, and other recovery expenses.
Meanwhile, assessments of public infrastructure—such as roads and bridges—are still underway and could lead to additional requests for Public Assistance PDAs next week.
SEMA continues to work alongside volunteer and faith-based organizations to provide immediate help to those affected. Missourians in need of assistance are urged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1, or reach out to the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
For ongoing disaster recovery information, including housing, cleanup tips, and mental health services, residents can visit recovery.mo.gov.
