Officials Begin Storm Damage Assessments in Iowa

State and federal officials plan to begin assessing damage this week from tornadoes in six Iowa counties.

The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the assessments Monday and Tuesday.

Assessments for individual assistance to homeowners and small businesses will be done in five counties, including Buena Vista, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas and Sac counties. Assessments for public assistance to public entities and nonprofit agencies will be conducted in those counties plus in Cherokee County.

The western Iowa town of Mapleton suffered the worst damage in the April 9 tornado outbreak, with more than 140 homes and businesses being destroyed.

The assessments could be used to request a presidential disaster declaration for those areas affected by the storms.