Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Sedgwick County has declared an emergency for the area hit by Saturday's tornado. It's the first step in getting federal aid for survivors.

Emergency management officials say in order to get assistance from FEMA, the county has to meet certain criteria. Many of the homeowners in the Oaklawn area who have damage didn't have insurance. They are counting on the government to help.

"To see the damage and the lives turned upside down,and not knowing where to go, and no funds to go with," said tornado survivor Rebecca Aue. She lives in the Pinaire Mobile Home Park.

County leaders say it may take up to three months to find out if the federal government can help financially.