GREENFIELD, Iowa (WHO) — On Wednesday morning Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds toured the wreckage left from at least an EF 3 tornado that tore through Greenfield.
“It’s still a search and rescue and we don’t want to give out any misinformation. So that’s one of the reasons that we’re keeping the site secure,” said Reynolds when asked if she could provide an update on the number of fatalities.
Reynolds issued the state disaster proclamation on Tuesday for 15 counties and expanded it for another 17 on Wednesday, opening up state resources to be accessed in the area. The governor also said that the state is moving quickly to get federal help.
“We’re hoping by no later tomorrow we will have those numbers in so that we can get them to the White House and get a Presidential Disaster Declaration as quickly as possible,” said Reynolds. “We’re going to file for individual assistance again and public assistance. As you know, the hospital was damaged and so we want to make sure that we’re providing resources for them as well.”
Congressman Zach Nunn was touring the wreckage later in the morning, flying back to the district from Washington, D.C. He encouraged anyone that wanted to help right now to donate to the Iowa Red Cross.
“Right now what is in most dire need are folks being able to get into shelter in homes. The Red Cross is the first responder and being able to get to that. Help out your local Red Cross. Donate blood and be a good community member by reaching out to these folks where, you know you can make a personal difference,” said U.S. Representative Nunn, (R) IA-03.
The local state representative for the Greenfield district lives in the town. He was one of the first people to help in recovery efforts.
“It was one of those things where I was painting in a church and kind of keeping an eye on the weather and keeping on the phone with my wife. And she told me it was getting pretty bad over here, and started getting calls from some friends and family. And so I kind of chased the tornado into town and out of town and just pulled into the bank parking lot,” said State Representative Ray Sorenson, (R) District 23 from Greenfield. “There’s incredible common sense in this community, this incredible resolve. People were already getting to work, clearing debris out of the roads. I mean, everybody that brought a skid loader and thank you a million.”
For those looking to help in recovery efforts click here.