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18h ago

Missouri, Kentucky, and Virginia Tornado Victims Await Federal Aid as FEMA Remains Silent

Local and state leaders call for an emergency declaration to unlock critical funding as recovery efforts rely on crowdfunding and state resources.

A drone view shows damaged houses after a tornado struck St. Louis, Missouri,U.S. May 17, 2025. REUTERS/Lawrence Bryant TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Debris is seen on a damaged car after a tornado hit in London, Kentucky on May 17, 2025. Severe storms ravaged Missouri, Kentucky, and Virginia.
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Overview

  • Tornadoes over May 17–18 caused 28 fatalities, including five in St. Louis, and inflicted $1.6 billion in damages across Missouri, Kentucky, and Virginia.
  • St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer and Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe have publicly urged FEMA to deploy resources and issue a federal Emergency Declaration to aid recovery.
  • FEMA has yet to engage with affected communities or confirm assistance, prompting frustration from local officials and reliance on private fundraising efforts.
  • Senator Josh Hawley visited storm-damaged neighborhoods in Missouri, emphasizing the need for federal disaster relief and insurance claim accountability.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated federal resources are available upon state requests, but FEMA's role remains uncertain as debates over its mission continue.