The Cherokee Nation Emergency Management (CNEM) team members are assisting local and federal organizations assess damage and clean up in communities located within Cherokee Nation’s jurisdictional area (Adair, Delaware, Mayes and Sequoyah Counties) after heavy rain and high winds recently stormed across Oklahoma.

       According to CNEM Director, Tamara Copeland, members were dispatched to counties in the area and near the Arkansas state line. Copeland says that assessing the damage is the first step to obtaining approval for individual assistance to citizens impacted by the storm.

       “In Sequoyah County, we assisted primarily in damage assessment with local and state officials,” said Copeland.  “Muldrow was hit particularly hard.”

       The results show that in Sequoyah County 224 apartments suffered damage, 477 homes and 11 businesses experienced minor damage, major damage impacted 133 homes and 14 businesses, and 33 mobile homes were completely destroyed by hail.

       The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) is scheduled to tour the hardest hit areas of Sequoyah County today.

       In Adair County, CNEM members worked chainsaw crews cleaning up trees and debris blocking access to homes and businesses. The team joined efforts with Adair County Emergency Management to determine needs and damage assessment resulting from the high storm winds.

“Our employees helped the Bureau of Indian Affairs chainsaw crew clean up downed trees in Adair County, other members cleared access to individual residences,” said Copeland.

The Cherokee Nation also provided 1,000 gallons of bottled water to the Salina area in Mayes County.

Copeland and members of CNEM caution citizens against volunteering without contacting officials. “We ask that no one self-dispatch,” said Copeland. “All volunteers need to report to Staging before being dispatched.” 

Cherokee Nation’s Emergency Management and Roads Departments also announced several temporary road closures in Delaware County and recommend that travelers take special precautions and to not attempt to cross water-covered roads. Highway 20 had significant damage. Cherokee Nation will participate with the state’s public assistance team next week evaluating additional infrastructure damage in the area.

For more information about Cherokee Nation emergency assistance, contact (918) 453-5212 or (918) 453-5245.