Congressman Cleaver Calls for Disaster Declaration
KANSAS CITY - Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, says parts of Jackson, Saline, and Ray Counties, should be declared federal disaster areas, in the wake of this weekend's devastating storms and tornados. He is officially requesting that Governor Jay Nixon request this designation from the President, as is the process, as well as for hazard mitigation statewide. One tornado went through the town of Sibley as an EF-1, and then ripped through Orrick as an EF-2. Another touched down in Saline County, near Marshall, producing winds in excess of 100 mph.
"It is hard to imagine, even with pictures, the extent of what this tornado did to Orrick," said U.S. Congressman Cleaver. "It ripped through more than 70% of this town, devastating everything in its path. Families have lost virtually everything. Streets and roadways are destroyed or damaged. It could be six months of longer before children are even allowed inside the school building for classes."
Local leaders, including the Mayor of Orrick and Ray County Commissioners are asking for federal government assistance. Members of the public are joining with local officials to clean up the destruction and debris, but say more assistance is crucial for the town to get back on its feet. An evaluation of the damage is still underway.
The EF-2 tornado:
*Was on the ground for more than 11 miles.
*Damaged and/or destroyed between 200-300 homes and 3 churches.
*Damaged the school so extensively parts of the roof are ripped off, wires are exposed and hanging from the ceiling, walls are missing, and windows are shattered.
"Citizens of Orrick have lost their livelihoods as the summer growing season approaches, but remain forever thankful that no lives were lost," said Congressman Cleaver. "I am committed to fighting for them, so they get the immediate help they need, as we work together to rebuild and renew areas destroyed by this devastating storm."
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.