FEMA visits Sulphur in response phase for additional resources

SULPHUR, Okla. (KFOR) - On Tuesday, FEMA officials arrived in Sulphur to assess damage and give the latest update on efforts on the response phase and road to recovery for many Oklahomans.

At least 22 tornadoes hit Oklahoma over the weekend leaving destruction and 4 people dead.

Sulphur, Ardmore, and Marietta were some of the hardest hit locations.

"Our hearts go out to those who lost family members, this is such a tragic incident but we also hear about the bravery of the first responders, and thank them for everything they did in the trying hours " said Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator.

According to FEMA Region XI, they are on-site to get a better idea of the damage and what level of federal support is needed to get resources needed in it's road to recovery.

Sen. James Lankford joined in at the podium thanking Oklahoma's television stations in saving lives during the deadly storms.

Additionally, Senator Lankford informed citizens that have suffered damage to please report to local, state and federal sites in order for data to reflect accurately as resources are set to become available days ahead for storm victims.

Local officials continued stating, volunteers are still needed and those interested contact Red Cross.

Trained Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground in Sulphur, Ardmore, Marietta, and across Oklahoma to help and support people affected by these storms.  

• Shelters are open in Sulphur (Crossway First Baptist Church, 2108 W. Broadway Ave.) and Ardmore (Christ Community Church, 2620 Mt. Washington Road) for people in need after these tornadoes.
• As of Tuesday morning, dozens of people evacuated to or spent the night in our disaster shelters. Anyone affected by these storms is welcome. There is no charge for Red Cross services and staying at the shelter is free.

The Oklahoma Emergency Management (OEM) officials confirmed in the latest update, it has finished a preliminary damage assessing 300,000 cubic yard of debris which equals 6.9 plus million-dollars as a low preliminary estimate. On the residential side, OEM calculated over 100 properties that were destroyed several with major damage and many others that had minor damage or affected, said Annie Vest, Oklahoma Emergency Management.

Governor Kevin Stitt was also on hand saying on his "X" platform, "I surveyed damage in Marietta, OK today alongside @FEMA_Deanne. Neighbors in Marietta and across Oklahoma are coming together to pick up the pieces.

If you have experienced damage report it at damage.ok.gov.