An Update on Deadly Iowa Tornado

PARKERSBURG, Iowa (AP) - Officials said a deadly tornado that swept
through the
small town of Parkersburg destroyed more than 200 homes and damaged hundreds
more.
The Sunday afternoon tornado killed six people, including four in
Parkersburg.
Two others died in the nearby town of New Hartford.
Rescuers were still picking through the ruins, but officials said they
were
hopeful that no other victims would be found. About 70 people were injured,
including
two in critical condition.
The number of buildings damaged was staggering: 222 homes destroyed, 21
businesses
destroyed and more than 400 homes damaged. Among the buildings destroyed
were the
city hall, high school and the city's sole grocery store and gas station.
Gov. Chet Culver has issued a disaster proclamation for Blackhawk,
Buchanan
and Butler counties, a move that helps coordination between state and local
authorities.
He said National Guard troops were arriving Monday to aid in the cleanup.
PARKERSBURG --- One of those who survived Sunday night's Parkersburg tornado
says
you should always pay attention to what the weather man says when severe
weather
strikes. Dennis Schipper and his wife had been living in the same house on
Parkersburg's
southeast side since 1968, and both were lucky enough to escape the tornado.
Schipper
says his weather radio saved not only his life but the life of his wife,
sounding
when the tornado warning was issues. Schipper says they went down to the
basement
to take cover and that the tornado lasted for only about 30 to 60 seconds.
Schipper
chatted with Bob Fisher and other reporters and were later joined in the
conversation
by Governor Chet Culver, Senator Charles Grassley, Representative Bruce
Braley, and
State Representative Pat Grassley.
PARKERSBURG --- At least three people in Butler County have died after
yesterday's
tornadoes that struck the Parkersburg and New Hartford areas on Sunday
afternoon.
Butler County Auditor Holly Fokkena says they are asking people to stay away
from
the area and allow emergency crews to pick up the pieces. Fokkena says
besides the
devastation in Parkersburg and New Hartford, people in the community of
Sinclair
just east of Parkersburg were evacuated after the twister tore through their
area.
She says the tornado traveled east out of Parkersburg and struck the
Sinclair Elevator,
destroying a very large anhydrous ammonia storage tank, forcing the
evacuation of
a large number of rural residences. Fokkena says a dozen homes and numerous
other
buildings were damaged in the New Hartford.
If people are looking for more information about relatives that live in the
Parkersburg
and New Hartford areas, they are being encouraged to call one of these phone
numbers..
. 319-267-9111
. 319-267-9112
. 319-267-9113
. 319-267-9114
Click he
(DES MOINES) - This afternoon, Governor Chet Culver has issued a disaster
proclamation
for Blackhawk, Butler Counties after severe weather moved through the area
earlier
today.
"Early reports indicate that Parkersburg and surrounding areas have
sustained significant
damage after a possible tornado touched down earlier today," said Governor
Culver.
"The coming hours will provide more information, but state government stands
ready
to do whatever neccessary to support local emergency management efforts and
help
those affected recover quickly."
State Homeland Security and Emergency Management officials have activated
the State
EOC and have begun to work with local officials in areas affected by the
storms.
In addition, they will monitor any further developments as severe weather
continues
to move across the state.
The National Weather Service has issued several watches and warnings
throughout the
state. Iowans are encouraged to keep close attention to radios and
televisions as
conditions can change rapidly.
The Governor's disaster declaration allows local officals to better utilize
state
resourses in response to any severe weather.
In addition, the Governor's proclamation activates Iowa's individaul
disaster assistance
program. Iowa 's individual disaster assistance program helps people with
low incomes.
Iowans with household incomes of up to 130 percent of federal poverty
guidelines
may apply for a grant of up to $3,300 to help recover from flood damage. The
governor
emphasized that this is a reimbursement program, meaning that applicants
must include
receipts when applying for help.
The grant application and step-by-step instructions on how to fill it out
are found
on the front page of the Department of Human Services website: