Gov. Katie Hobbs has declined to declare a state of emergency after a tornado in Heber-Overgaard. Walt Blackman filed the request after the Oct. 21 EF-1 tornado.
According to the National Weather Service, winds reached 110 mph (about 177 km/h). The tornado uprooted trees, downed power lines and damaged buildings and mobile homes. One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries. About 3,000 people live in the community, and more than 1,200 customers lost power.
A state declaration would open access to additional funds for rebuilding. The governor’s office said the state has already activated its emergency operations center at Level 1 and that crews are working on site. According to KTAR, state forestry and corrections crews were among those sent to clear debris.
Blackman appealed on social media for the decision to be reversed. He wrote that a declaration could provide funding for rebuilding and debris removal and open the way to federal aid. Under state guidelines, a declaration can unlock additional funds, but federal aid is assessed separately and is not guaranteed.
The Navajo County Board of Supervisors, chaired by Daryl Seymour, declared its own state of emergency. Seymour estimates losses so far at $20,000. One resident said the cleanup could take about six months. An expert from Arizona State University (ASU) noted that a state declaration would not mean direct payments to homeowners.
Reports on the status of the matter are mixed. The governor’s spokeswoman, Liliana Soto, told KNAU that Hobbs is still considering the request. The governor’s office is weighing additional state support for the community. It is unclear whether the county will appeal the decision. We will continue to follow developments.
Source: KJZZ, AZFamily
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