SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It’s been over two weeks since Michiana’s most recent run-in with severe weather. On Aug. 11, a derecho travelled across several states leaving many without power and extreme rainfall washed some roads away.
On Tuesday, Governor Mike Braun announced the statewide disaster declaration was approved by President Trump, helping impacted counties with FEMA aid and assistance. The question remains: How is this damage assessed and when will funding be received?
Jennifer Tobey, Executive Director of Elkhart County EMA, explains that the process of assessing damaging, recovery, and receiving funding is lengthy and complicated. Oftentimes, qualifying for and getting federal aid takes longer than people imagine; but Tobey reassures homeowners shouldn’t lose hope.
Tobey emphasizes the importance of relying on community support and resilience with federal recover efforts are still in the works. “We’re not giving up,” Tobey said. “I have all the confidence in the world in those emergency management directors that they will set up long-term care recovery teams.”
For counties like La Porte and Pulaski Counties, this weather wound is fresh, and the damage is still present. While power has been restored for most customers in La Porte County, while some roads in Pulaski County are still underwater.
Both La Porte and Pulaski County EMA offices have their hands full picking up the pieces and configuring a price for the storm. With restoration comes preparation. Being prepared for the next storm can be the difference between several million dollars' worth of damage. More importantly, it could save lives