Bush declares disaster areas in storm-hit Oklahoma
08 Jul 2007 16:59:15 GMT Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON, July 8 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush declared disaster areas in Oklahoma on Sunday, making federal aid available to people and businesses hurt by weeks of severe storms, flooding and tornadoes. The move provides grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other costs incurred in Ottawa and Washington counties because of storms that began on June 10, 2007. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said that damage surveys were continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are completed. Oklahoma, Texas and other nearby states have been hammered by unusually heavy rainfall and severe storms. Last week, an oil spill contaminated floodwaters in the town of Coffeyville, Kansas, where many residents had been evacuated.