(Harrisburg, IL) – February 29, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a state disaster proclamation for tornado-damaged areas in Harrisburg, Illinois, following storms that raged through the region leaving 6 dead and 100 injured.
The disaster declaration issued today by Quinn covers the southern-third of Illinois and will ensure that state resources are available to assist with response and recovery efforts.
“The focus of the state right now is to coordinate with local emergency response officials in the affected areas to determine what state resources are needed for response and recovery from the storms,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathon Monken.
State resources on the ground in the affected storm areas include:
- Illinois Department of Transportation helicopter to assist with damage assessment.
- 35 IDOT employees and equipment in Harrisburg assisting with access control.
- 60-90 additional IDOT employees on stand-by.
- Illinois State Police – 20 troopers assisting with security and access control.
- Department of Natural Resources – five Conservation Police Officers assisting with search and rescue/security.
“My heart goes out to the victims of this devastating storm, and I would like to thank the many people who have stepped up and volunteered to aid their neighbors,” said Quinn, who travelled to Harrisburg today.
The Red Cross Little Egypt Network is coordinating volunteer efforts and accepting monetary donations to aid in disaster relief efforts. The Little Egypt chapter can be contacted at (618) 529-1698, and donations can be sent to the chapter office at 665 North Airport Road, Murphysboro, IL 62966.
Gov. Pat Quinn
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