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RALLS, MONROE, PIKE COUNTIES IN MISSOURI -- Monday marks one month since Ralls County officials first sent out an advisory, encouraging residents near the Salt River to move to higher ground.
But even now after the flood waters receded, there has been no disaster declaration issued for residents affected in Ralls and Monroe County.
Many residents have returned to homes soaked from flood waters. And even though the devastation is clear, a federal disaster declaration has yet to be seen.
Marion County Emergency Management Director John Hark assisted Ralls County during the flood.
What's the hold up?
Hark said, "For some reason things have come to a snail's pace. It's time to get off of square one and someone make a decision."
He says no declaration means no help for recovery.
Hark said, "A lot of people have had to leave their homes and a lot of farm ground is under water and suffered severe flooding. Are we not concerned with flooding in the Midwest? If so D.C,. tell us that.
What does this mean for residents?
Hark said, "That means the expenditures they're out, they're just out."
KHQA contacted the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency or SEMA. An official told us Governor Matt Blunt submitted a request for help to FEMA early this month. KHQA called FEMA to find out what the hold up is for the declaration. No one KHQA talked to could explain the delay, but suggested residents seek out local charitable organizations for help.
