Message From Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Doran

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My name is Bill Doran and I am honored to be serving the state and citizens of Oklahoma as your Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) for FEMA Disaster OK-1970.  My mission while in Tushka, OK, is to work with State Coordinating Officer (SCO) Albert Ashwood and our fellow state, federal and local partners to maintain stability and flexibility to support the survivors and the state of Oklahoma.  

As a result of a severe storm and tornado that affected Atoka County on April 14th, Oklahoma requested a major disaster declaration.  The state specifically requested Individual Assistance and Direct Federal Assistance for Atoka County and Hazard Mitigation statewide.

The National Weather Service has rated the Tushka Tornado an Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale 3.  The EF scale rates the strength of tornadoes in the US based on wind estimates and the damage they cause.

The tornado began about 5 miles west-southwest of Tushka and left a swath of damage more than half mile wide.  Approximately 237 homes and businesses were damaged, of that 149 were destroyed.  Forty three residents were injured and there were two fatalities.

FEMA will be in Oklahoma as long as it takes; it is our privilege to help the people of this great state, their families and the community recover from this disaster.

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