Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for 7 Ohio Counties After August Storms Spawned 17 Tornadoes
President Donald Trump on October 2 approved a major disaster declaration for seven Ohio counties struck by severe August storms, the Columbus Dispatch and the governor's office said.
The August storm system spawned 17 confirmed tornadoes across Ohio, damaging homes, toppling trees, and causing widespread outages. The declaration unlocks FEMA public assistance for local governments and individual assistance for eligible residents, covering debris removal, public-facility repairs, and temporary housing.
Gov. Mike DeWine said the state will work with federal agencies to speed damage assessments and funding to help communities rebuild. Ohio Emergency Management urged residents to file damage claims through official channels and to photograph damaged property for claims documentation.
The August storms rank among Ohio's most intense tornado outbreaks in recent years; preliminary surveys rated the strongest tornadoes EF2. Recovery is expected to take months, with power and transportation infrastructure first in line for restoration, the state said.
The seven counties covered by the declaration include Clermont, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking and Morrow counties.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: National Weather Service at Wilmington, Ohio, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
