Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen requests federal aid after destructive tornado outbreak

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen requested a federal disaster declaration Thursday after last week’s tornado outbreak.

The state is asking for federal assistance for a “wide range” of emergency relief costs, including debris removal and individual aid.

Last Friday, three confirmed EF-3 tornadoes ripped through parts of Douglas, Washington and Lancaster counties.

SEE ALSO: ‘I’m home, but I’m homeless’: Tornado devastates Omaha neighborhood

On Sunday, Pillen declared a state of emergency in those three counties.

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency is working with federal agencies to assess the damage.

Preliminary assessments found that damage in all counties totals $11.5 million, the governor’s office said in a press release.

SEE ALSO: ‘Praying for God to save my life’: Lincoln man survived tornado hitting Garner Industries

Most of the damage, over $8 million worth, is in Douglas and Washington counties.

State officials said around 400 homes were damaged in the storm in those two counties.  Almost 160 of those homes were deemed destroyed.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska man helping tornado victims find sentimental items ‘you can’t replace’

Categories: Capitol News, Nebraska News, News, Weather