SEMA News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 02, 2026

President Trump Approves Governor Kehoe's Request for Major Disaster Declaration in Response to July 9-11 Flash Flooding and Severe Storms

Federal share of recovery costs for Missouri communities is estimated at $19.9 million for the state's third major disaster declaration request of 2026

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that President Donald J. Trump has approved Missouri's request for a major disaster declaration for nine counties heavily impacted by the historic flash flooding and severe storms July 9-11.

"When historic flash flooding and storms devastated parts of south-central and southeast Missouri earlier this summer, our first responders, state emergency management team, and the Missouri National Guard were prepared and acted without hesitation as they rushed to rescue and evacuate flood victims,” Governor Kehoe said. “I appreciated the opportunity to speak with President Trump and share with him the incredible stories of heroism witnessed that night and in the days that followed. We thank President Trump for approving our major disaster declaration request and for his continued support as Missouri families and communities recover and rebuild.”

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