Federal disaster aid available for victims of Memorial Day tornadoes

In the wake of an outbreak of 21 tornadoes that caused widespread damage across Ohio over Memorial Day weekend, President Donald Trump issued a disaster declaration making businesses and individuals in 10 counties eligible for federal assistance.

Gov. Mike DeWine, who sought the declaration from Trump last week, announced the president's action Tuesday morning.

DeWine said the designation "will help those working to rebuild their homes and their lives" in Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Hocking, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Muskingum, Perry and Pickaway counties.

The Dayton area and Celina, where a man was killed, suffered the most devastating damage amid the tornado outbreak May 27 and May 28.

A preliminary damage assessment by state and federal officials found 942 houses and other buildings were destroyed or suffered major damage, while 837 additional structures suffered minor damage. A dollar estimate on the damage has not been calculated.

The designation permits the U.S. Small Business Administration to make low-interest loans to businesses looking to rebuild and allows individuals to seek financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The state also may apply for money for counseling for storm victims and unemployment assistance for those left without jobs.

Individuals and businesses suffering storm damage can register for FEMA assistance online at www.##htmlLink_1##.

Ohio's U.S. senators -- Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Rob Portman -- supported DeWine's request for aid. They said in a statement they would work to ensure assistance quickly reaches tornado victims.

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