INDIANAPOLIS (September 14, 2006) -- Governor Mitch Daniels took action today to request assistance for Hoosiers in Northern Indiana who suffered storm damage and flooding as the result of severe weather from July 26th through August 27th.
In compliance with federal regulations and Indiana Code, Executive Order 07-11 was issued to declare a disaster emergency in Northern Indiana. In addition, the governor sent a letter to President George W. Bush to request federal assistance for Hoosiers affected by this severe storm damage and flash flooding that occurred primarily in the Lake County area.
The letter outlines that the effects of a single weather system brought torrential rainfall to several areas of the state, causing severe flash flooding with the greatest damage in Lake County.
The governor is seeking assistance that would qualify residents for individual and disaster assistance. Specifically, he has requested the implementation of Individual Assistance Programs, which include disaster housing, disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, and individual and household programs, as well as hazard mitigation and Small Business Administration disaster loans.
According to preliminary assessments, results found 3 Destroyed, 128 Major Damaged, 234 Minor Damaged, and 58,000 homes affected by this storm. Five deaths were also attributed to this disaster. Power outages extended to over a week in some areas. The greatest impact was felt in the towns of Dyer, Gary, Hobart and Lake Station. East Chicago and the City of Merrillville were also affected by the flooding.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is providing state coordination to direct assistance to local governments. A number of other state agencies also have been involved.
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The Executive Order may be found at http://www.in.gov/gov/2425.htm.
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