This morning President Obama will deliver a statement on the Moore, OK tornado devastation at 10am ET. The president is expected to meet with his disaster response team, including Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, before speaking to the nation where he is likely to address, along with the relief packages and federal aid, the rising death toll in the region now sitting at approximately 24 including at least 7 children. You can watch the President Obama Moore, Oklahoma tornado statement below.
Earlier today, the president declared a major disaster in Oklahoma, offering federal aid to bolster the recovery efforts in the devastated areas. And yesterday, President Obama opened a direct line of communication with the Governor Mary Fallin. President Obama also spoke with Rep. Tom Cole, whose home is in the heavily damaged town of Moore.
Individuals and business owners affected by the disastrous tornado are now able to apply for federal grants that include temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help ease the suffering and utter annihilation of the area.
Already, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has dispatched a distinguished squadron to Oklahoma’s emergency operations center to help organize and issue resources. Agency Director Craig Fugate is en route as well ensure that all federal resources are being properly deployed.
The tornado first touched down in Newcastle, Oklahoma, before leaving desrtuction in its wake through neighboring Moore. An early estimate rated the tornado as an EF4, meaning it had,according to the National Weather Service, winds between 166 and 200 mph.
Southwest Arkansas and northeast Texas, including the Dallas Metro region, are still likely to experience more severe weather Tuesday. Those areas could see large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
The unofficial death toll will not rise until the bodies are processed, according to the Oklahoma state medical examiner’s office.
Watch the Live Stream of President Obama’s Statement on the Tornado Devastation in Oklahoma:
