ARKANSAS, USA — President Biden has approved Arkansas' request for a Major Disaster Declaration following deadly tornadoes in the Northwestern part of the state.
Governor Sanders submitted the request earlier this week after assessing the extensive damage left behind. At least seven tornadoes were confirmed this week by the National Weather Service (NWS), one of which was recorded as the widest in Arkansas history.
According to an NWS report, the tornado began in Oklahoma and ended in Decatur. The tornado then traveled 7.9 miles and was over 1.8 miles wide (3,200 yards), with winds up to 154 mph.
Governor Sanders released the following statement in response to the approval.
“On behalf of all Arkansans, I extend my thanks to President Biden for his quick approval of the state’s Major Disaster Declaration request, and my gratitude to our federal delegation for helping expedite this process. As our state works with local partners, first responders, and volunteers to recover from last weekend’s devastating storms, this announcement will provide federal support to rebuild impacted communities. As we continue to assess the damage to other impacted counties, we will add them to this Declaration,” said Governor Sanders.
According to the release, the funds provided will help with:
- Individual assistance
- U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans
- Public Assistance for Benton, Boone and Marion Counties
- Direct federal assistance
- Hazard Mitigation across the state
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