DAYTON — Federal workers are in Ohio, ready to begin working with state officials to assess the damage left behind by tornadoes that swept through 10 counties last week.
Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed and many more were damaged during the outbreak that saw at least 18 tornadoes touch down in western Ohio.
Crews will begin looking at the damage Wednesday in Montgomery, Greene, Auglaize, Hocking, Mercer and Pickaway counties. They’ll also spend time this week in Darke, Miami, Muskingum and Perry counties.
If federal impact criteria are met, Gov. Mike DeWine can request a presidential disaster declaration and President Donald Trump would ultimately determine whether any federal assistance such low-interest loans and grants, will be made available.
Hospitals have reported treating at least 385 people for storm-related injuries in Ohio.
The strongest of at least 21 tornadoes that slammed Ohio beginning Memorial Day evening had 170 mph winds. Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed and hundreds more were damaged.
Dayton-area hospitals say they have been treating people for injuries received during the storms and during cleanup efforts.
Kettering Health Network reported treating 172 people for those injuries as of Tuesday afternoon. The Premier Health network said that by Monday afternoon it had treated 213 people.
An 82-year-old man in Celina was killed.