Gov. Holcomb requests expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for tornado relief

Indiana experienced severe weather on April 1, resulting in 25 tornadoes and destruction throughout the state

INDIANAPOLIS—Governor Eric J. Holcomb has sent a letter to President Joe Biden to request expedited assistance for Hoosiers affected by a historic 25 tornado event that swept through Indiana on March 31 and April 1. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and federal officials continue to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in preparation for this request. 

“I’ve taken prompt action to ensure Hoosiers can rebuild their roots here in Indiana,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Due to the severity and magnitude of this disaster, I have requested FEMA expedite our request for federal assistance while we continue to respond to the communities affected.”

In a letter to the president, Gov. Holcomb requested an expedited major disaster declaration for federal assistance. Joint state and federal assessments are still underway, but under preliminary findings, 5 people have died, 34 Hoosiers have suffered injuries, 165 structures were destroyed and 157 structures sustained major damage. Power outages affected nearly 107,000 and hundreds of other individuals were impacted in some way. Not only was the devastation brought on by this disaster severe and widespread, it also significantly impacted areas with low socio-economic status.

If approved, individual assistance programs could provide grants for temporary housing disaster assistance and unlock other resources to help individuals and Hoosier business owners. If public assistance is approved, federal funds may reimburse state and local response agencies for qualifying activities, such as emergency protective measures, debris removal, road repairs and some personnel costs.

Gov. Holcomb’s letter to President Biden can be found here