Governor Kevin Stitt made a poignant visit to Barnsdall, Oklahoma, following the devastating EF-4 tornado that tore through the community. The destructive twister wreaked havoc from Monday night into Tuesday morning, prompting urgent response efforts.

Assessing the Damage

Stitt, accompanied by state officials, arrived in Barnsdall to survey the aftermath of the calamity. The National Weather Service, in its evaluation, upgraded the tornado to an EF-4 on Tuesday evening, underlining the severity of the disaster.

Stitt expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, Oklahoma’s been hit pretty hard over the last week and a half or so. His remarks came during a conference where he highlighted the extensive damage, noting that approximately 60-70 homes were razed by the ferocious winds. This added to the toll of around 350 homes damaged across the state by recent storms, including those in Sulphur and Marietta.

Response and Support

Acknowledging the federal assistance, Stitt praised the cooperation with FEMA, stating, The feds have been really, really helpful. They’ve approved everything that we’ve asked for. The state government, in a proactive measure, allocated $45 million to aid the storm-affected communities. Moreover, several counties received inclusion in the Presidential Disaster Declaration to expedite relief efforts.

Stitt emphasized Oklahoma’s resilience, affirming, Oklahomans are resilient and we’re going to rebuild. However, amidst the recovery endeavors, concerns lingered for Wayne Hogue, a missing resident of Barnsdall whose mobile trailer home was obliterated. Intensive search operations, including the deployment of K9 units, were underway to locate him.

Community Safety Measures

Mayor Johnny Kelley announced a curfew in Barnsdall to safeguard residents, deter looting, and facilitate ongoing search operations for Hogue. The State Emergency Management department, while grappling with the enormity of the situation, continued assessments to determine the total cost of damages.

Reporting Damages

For those affected by the storms needing to report damages, resources were made available through designated channels to ensure timely assistance and support.

Conclusion: Rebuilding Amidst Adversity

As Barnsdall and surrounding areas grapple with the aftermath of the devastating tornado, Governor Stitt’s visit underscores the solidarity and determination of Oklahomans in confronting adversity. With concerted efforts from state and federal agencies, coupled with community resilience, the path to recovery and rebuilding begins. However, amidst the restoration process, the priority remains ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected residents.

To stay updated on developments and access resources, download The Local News App for timely information and support.

Source