Muskingum County is among 10 counties affected by a series of tornadoes that swept through the state around Memorial Day weekend to receive federal assistance in the aftermath.

During the early morning hours of May 28, a confirmed EF1 tornado tore through Roseville, touching down around 2 a.m. with wind speeds near 110 mph.

The winds brought down trees, powerlines, and caused damage to a number of houses and buildings throughout the village.

Last week, Governor Mike DeWine sent a letter to the President asking for help.

Today, President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Declaration for federal assistance to aid the individuals and businesses impacted by the 21 tornadoes that touched down in Ohio during the evening of May 27 and early morning of May 28.

“When I spoke with President Trump after these tornadoes, he vowed to provide any assistance he could, and I am grateful that he followed through today on that promise to help those impacted by these storms,” said DeWine. “The Presidential Disaster Declaration will help those working to rebuild their homes and their lives.”  

Following a joint preliminary damage assessment with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration and Ohio Emergency Management Agency during the first week of June, 942 homes and buildings across the state were identified as destroyed or significantly damaged and another 837 sustained minor damage or were slightly affected.

The Presidential Disaster Declaration is issued for Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Hocking, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Muskingum, Perry and Pickaway counties.

Through the declaration, those counties are eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Additionally, assistance is available through the following programs:

• Individual Assistance Program
• Disaster Legal Services Program
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

The state can also apply for crisis counseling assistance, disaster unemployment assistance and disaster case management help.

Individuals and businesses impacted from the storms can register for FEMA assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585).