SEMA News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2026

Governor Kehoe Requests Federal Disaster Declaration in Response to Catastrophic Flash Flooding and Severe Storms July 9-11

Over $26.5 million validated by FEMA through joint preliminary damage assessments

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced he has requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to nine counties in response to historic flash flooding and severe storms July 9-11. This marks Missouri's third federal disaster declaration request of 2026.

"As communities impacted by recent flash flooding continue to move forward with recovery efforts, I want to once again thank all who have stepped up to support their neighbors," said Governor Kehoe. “The damage has overwhelmed local communities, placing a tremendous burden on them that far exceeds their capacity to recover without federal assistance. The estimated damage in Iron County alone surpassed $19.7 million, while the entire state threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance is $11.9 million – emphasizing the extent of the devastation locally.”

Continue reading the news release from Governor Kehoe's office here.



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For more information, call 573-751-6294 or e-mail caty.luebbert@sema.dps.mo.gov