WAVERLY, Tenn. (WTVF) — Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 85 Wednesday to provide additional relief efforts for the community and support for the Humphreys County School District.
SOON: Gov. Bill Lee and FEMA Administrator Deanna Criswell will speak at 4 p.m. after visiting Humphreys County earlier Wednesday.
At least 18 people lost their lives in the flash flooding in Waverly over the weekend. Dozens of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed, including two schools.
The order declares the event a major disaster and issues a state of emergency for the area. Local, state and federal relief agencies and other organizations have responded to the community to help with relief efforts.
Today I signed EO85. This order provides relief to Tennesseans affected by the deadly floods in western Middle TN by facilitating additional relief efforts & supporting the Humphreys County School District.https://t.co/6YRUzM68Zf pic.twitter.com/nnrACh0EIo
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) August 25, 2021
Gov. Lee also announced Wednesday that Dickson, Hickman and Houston counties will also be receiving federal aid to help with their recovery from this past weekend's catastrophic flooding.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said a total of $230,000 has already been approved for families impacted by the flood. She said the department is the effects of climate change across the country.
"We're seeing more disasters. We're seeing more severe disasters. And we're seeing these weather events much more rapidly," said Criswell.
Previous stories:
20 killed in Humphreys County flooding
In-Depth: What to know if you’re applying for FEMA aid
How to help victims of devastating Middle Tennessee flooding
PHOTOS: Heavy rainfall causes severe flooding in Middle Tennessee
Road to recovery begins in Waverly as loved ones still missing after deadly flood
How did weekend storms turn into one of the deadliest flooding events in Middle Tennessee?
