News - National
Oklahoma declared disaster area following deluge
Posted: Jun 15, 2010 6:50 AM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
Forecasters say more severe weather may be on the way in Oklahoma where a band of thunderstorms dropped as much as 10 inches in some areas in a matter of hours.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 136 people suffered minor injuries.
Firefighters helping a 17-year-old girl escape swift floodwaters were forced to cling to treetops and await rescue themselves.
Lt. Gov. Jari Askins has declared a state of emergency for 59 Oklahoma counties at the request of Gov. Brad Henry, who is out of state. The disaster declaration is a formal step that allows local governments to be reimbursed for storm-related costs through a state public assistance program. It also paves the way for federal assistance.
Askins says additional counties could be added to the disaster declaration.
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