Governor Kay Ivey, U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt, and Congressmembers Terri Sewell and Barry Moore surveyed the storm damage in Central Alabama, following Thursday’s devastating tornados.
“I surveyed yesterday’s tornado damage in Selma with Mayor [James] Perkins, @SenKatieBritt & @RepTerriSewell, and it is extensive. We are working on the federal, state & local level to ensure we can get those affected as many resources as possible in their recovery,” Gov, Ivey said on Twitter Saturday.
Ivey, Sewell. And Britt held a press conference to provide updates on their coordinated response.
“I want to thank the many first responders, workers, and volunteers who came together to assist with the recovery effort following Thursday’s devastating storm,” said Rep. Sewell. “While the destruction impacting Selma and the Black Belt is widespread, our community is nothing if not strong and resilient. I’m confident that with the close coordination of federal, state, and local partners, we will be able to secure the necessary resources to build our community back better and stronger than before.”
Autauga and Dallas counties were heavily impacted by the tornados on Thursday.
“This afternoon, I surveyed yesterday’s storm damage from the air with state and local officials,” Rep. Moore said on Twitter. “The devastation is heartbreaking, and I continue to pray for the families who lost loved ones. I am thankful to all our dedicated first responders and state officials who are already working to put our communities back together. My staff and I are continuing to monitor the situation and will be ready in the days and weeks ahead to help with any federal issues.”
“Our prayers continue to be with Alabamians across our state who were impacted by Thursday’s severe weather, especially those who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods,” said Sen. Britt in a statement emailed to reporters.
“Today, I joined Governor Kay Ivey, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and local officials to see firsthand the devastation in Dallas and Autauga Counties. We saw damage and destruction, but we also witnessed the best of Alabama – people from all walks of life coming together to help each other. My office is working alongside our partners in Alabama’s congressional delegation to support Governor Ivey’s request for an expedited federal major disaster declaration, and we will continue to work to ensure every possible federal resource is made available to affected Alabamians. Thank you to the courageous law enforcement officers, first responders, and linemen who have been working tirelessly to serve their fellow Alabamians across impacted communities. We are grateful for the incredible volunteers, like those I visited with today, who are already giving their time, talent, and resources to help complete strangers get back on their feet. Autauga and Dallas Counties will need the support of Alabamians in every corner of our state as communities and families look to recover and rebuild, and I am confident that our people will step up to support one another. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you need assistance. We stand ready and willing to help.”
President Joe Biden declared Dallas and Autauga Counties a major disaster area Sunday.
“Individuals in Autauga and Dallas Counties can apply online with FEMA at https://DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362. My office will continue to work alongside the Governor, local officials, and my Alabama congressional colleagues throughout the recovery process,” Sen. Britt said on Twitter.
“I join all Alabamians in praying for the impacted families and mourning the lives lost to the extreme weather in our state this week,” said U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville in a statement. We’re also praying for those whose lives have been put on pause as they find their homes and neighborhoods torn apart. Amid this time of death and destruction, I know the strength and spirit of Alabama’s communities will prevail as we rebuild.
“We are blessed to have dedicated first responders and state officials working around the clock to get Alabamians out of harm’s way and put our communities back together,” Tuberville continued. “I strongly support Governor Ivey’s work so far and have full faith in our state’s emergency relief network. I will continue to monitor the situation closely, and my team stands ready to offer any assistance needed by Alabamians during ongoing recovery efforts.”
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