More counties added to disaster proclamation list

DES MOINES – The number of counties receiving disaster proclamations climbed again Tuesday, as Gov. Chet Culver added 14 more counties to the list as areas of the state battle or await rising floodwaters.

The latest counties added included Buena Vista, Butler, Clay, Davis, Emmet, Hamilton, Howard, Jefferson, Lee, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Van Buren and Webster.

In total, 28 of Iowa's 99 counties are now covered by disaster proclamations due to recent severe weather, and 41 Iowa counties are under flood warnings.

The disaster proclamation means the state individual assistance program can help eligible residents of those counties. The program provides up to $5,000 in reimbursement for damages incurred by people and families who meet income requirements.

More information is available by going to www.dhs.state.ia.us and clicking on “Storm Help” or by calling 1-877-937-3663.

Culver is urging Iowans affected by recent flooding to report damages to their county emergency coordinators so the state is aware of local needs.