U.S. Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff and FEMA Administrator David Paulison join Governor Matt Blunt (R-MO) and Congressman Roy Blunt (R-MO) to tour areas of southwest Missouri that were devastated by the weekend tornadoes.
The severe weather is responsible for the deaths of 16 people, injuries to dozens more, and significant property damage in Barry, Jasper, and Newton Counties. Governor Blunt activated the Emergency Operations Center and mobilized nearly 20 National Guard Soldiers to assist with law enforcement. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has had several dozen officers assisting local communities with traffic control and security, and the Missouri State Water Patrol had 18 officers assisting area law enforcement.
In addition, joint FEMA/SEMA Damage Assessment teams are in the stricken area collecting property damage information for citizens and businesses.
