FEMA to Assess Storm Damage in 25 Missouri Counties

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Governor Mike Kehoe has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will take part in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) across 25 Missouri counties following the deadly severe storms and flooding that began March 30 and continue to affect the state.

“Our state and local public works crews have been doing an incredible job reopening roads and making initial repairs to bridges, low water crossings and other infrastructure,” said Governor Kehoe. “But it is clear that the extent of the damage across the state will require federal disaster assistance.”

This week, teams began assessing damage to homes and private property for Individual Assistance. Starting Tuesday, April 22, six joint PDA teams—made up of FEMA, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and local emergency officials—will begin surveying damage to public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings to determine eligibility for federal Public Assistance.

Public Assistance helps local governments and qualifying nonprofits recover emergency response costs and rebuild damaged public infrastructure.

The affected counties include: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Vernon, Wayne, and Webster. More counties may be added as local reports come in.

Governor Kehoe also sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, requesting help from the Missouri Farm Service Agency to assess agricultural losses.

Additionally, Executive Order 25-22, signed earlier this week, extends previous orders until May 14, 2025, allowing the state to continue deploying resources to support affected communities.

SEMA is working with local governments, state agencies, and volunteer groups as cleanup and recovery efforts continue. Residents with storm damage should contact their insurance provider immediately and file a claim.

For those wishing to help, donations should go to trusted disaster relief organizations listed with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Financial donations are preferred, as they allow groups to respond quickly to evolving needs.

Missourians with unmet needs can contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For more information and recovery resources, visit recovery.mo.gov.