Michigan Storms in June Killed 8 People, Blacked Out 730,000 Homes

President Bush has declared a major disaster area in Michigan, making recovery aid available in areas hit by severe storms and flooding.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says Monday’s declaration covers eleven counties affected by the June 6-13 severe weather in the Lower Peninsula.

The area includes Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Osceola, Ottawa and Wexford counties.

The storms killed at least eight people and blacked out more than 730,000 homes and businesses.

FEMA says federal funding is available to state and local agencies and to some nonprofit groups “for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms.”

Insured losses for the counties receiving Federal relief was not available at the time of this writing.