Disaster Number 1708

06/11/2007 - Severe Storms and Flooding

In May 2007, western and central Missouri experienced a series of severe thunderstorms that generated heavy rains, flooding, flash flooding, high winds and hail. A total of 14 non-federal levees were overtopped and six non-federal levees were breached as result of the storm.  More than 30 people were rescued and evacuated from flooded areas across the region, and approximately 558 residences and 72 businesses were affected by the storm.

On May 7, Gov. Matt Blunt ordered activation of the State Emergency Operations Plan. On May 15, Gov. Blunt requested that damage assessment be conducted in the affected areas.

On May 25, Gov. Blunt requested that President George Bush declare a major disaster in Missouri as a result of the storm, providing Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for the affected areas.

On June 11, President Bush granted a disaster declaration. Counties included in that disaster declaration were Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Morgan, Nodaway, Osage, Platte, Ray, Saline, Sullivan, and Worth counties.

The major disaster declaration provided public assistance to the affected counties for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and permanent work to repair or replace facilities damaged by the severe storms.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides federal funds to reimburse 75 percent of the costs for removing debris, conducting emergency activities and repairing roads, bridges, utility and water control facilities, public buildings and parks.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program provides disaster assistance for individuals and households affected by declared disasters. This includes the cost of repairs and replacements not covered by insurance on homes and vehicles affected by the disaster, temporary housing for those left without a home, disaster related medical and dental care, disaster related funeral and burial costs, moving and storage costs, crisis counseling and any other expenses determined necessary by FEMA.

More information on this disaster is available on FEMA's website.