OHIO, USA — A Presidential Disaster Declaration has been issued for the state of Ohio after destructive tornadoes impacted several counties in March.
The declaration was issued for Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland and Union counties.
Gov. Mike DeWine sent a letter to President Joe Biden on March 29, 2024, requesting a federal disaster declaration.
The FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, rental assistance and replacement of personal property to help homeowners and renters recover from the effects of the disaster.
The Presidential Disaster Declaration also allows the Small Business Administration to offer low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses for homeowners, renters and business owners impacted by the tornadoes.
“Ohio EMA and my administration have worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of the victims of the recent tornadoes in and around Indian Lake,” said DeWine. “I thank FEMA and the President for hearing our calls to provide needed federal relief to affected Ohioans as soon as possible.”
The declaration includes the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for all 88 Ohio counties.
On March 14, severe weather brought eight tornadoes to Ohio with varying severities. An EF3 tornado struck the Indian Lake community in Logan County, killing three people and injuring 27 others.
The NWS said the tornado was on the ground for more than 45 minutes, starting in Auglaize County and ending in Logan County, with wind speeds reaching 155 mph.