Oklahoma Governor: White House Approves Disaster Assistance

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry says the White House has approved his request for disaster assistance for seven Oklahoma counties recently affected by severe storms.

Henry said disaster assistance for individuals and businesses has been approved for Carter, Cleveland, McIntosh, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Pottawatomie and Seminole counties. Nearly three dozen tornadoes hit the state from May 10 to May 13. Those storms killed two people and injured at least 438 others, according to the state Department of Emergency Management.

Henry says that, as more damage assessments are finished, federal disaster aid could be requested for additional counties. Officials say the twisters destroyed 282 homes and damaged more than 1,485 homes and businesses.

The designation guarantees federal assistance for housing repairs and low-interest loans to replace damaged property.