Saturday, January 15, 2000
Twister damage hits $70 million in three counties
Residents urged to ask for funds
The Associated Press
OWENSBORO — The tornado that roared through Daviess, Crittenden and Webster counties in less than seven minutes caused $70 million in property damage.
In making that estimate, the Federal Emergency Management Agency urged residents affected by the storm to apply for federal relief money, no matter how large or small their losses.
About 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, and about 20 people were injured by the Jan. 3 storms.
“We realize we cannot make people whole. All the money in the world cannot make someone's house the same as it was,” said Gene Romano, a FEMA spokesman. “We just hope the financial assistance can help in the recovery.”
By Wednesday, FEMA officials had received 264 applications for as sistance from uninsured or underinsured families in the three counties.
Some applied for funds to pay for time spent living in a hotel. Others who were uninsured applied for help to both homes and property. The number of applications is expected to climb.
Officials have estimated that 10 percent of all the tornado's victims were under-insured or uninsured.
Mr. Romano said some tornado victims will receive outright grants from the government, while others may be offered low-interest loans. FEMA will also consider reimbursing those who have already repaired broken doors, windows and rooftops out-of-pocket.
Mr. Romano encouraged people to apply, although he said he has found that people in rural areas are often more self-reliant and hesitant to get outside help from the government.
“The disaster funds are not welfare, it's your tax dollars,” he said. “People also prejudge themselves. Sometimes people believe if they apply for an assessment they're taking something away from their neighbors (who are worse off). There are sufficient funds to cover everyone.”
The damage pales in comparison to the amount caused by the twisters that ripped through Kentucky and Indiana in 1974. Those tornadoes killed 31 and left 1,900 homes in 18 counties uninhabitable in Kentucky alone.
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Twister damage hits $70 million in three counties
