Gov. Matt Blunt said Sunday that eight joint federal and state damage assessment teams will begin collecting property damage information from Texas County residents and businesses impacted by the recent flooding.
“These teams will work with local officials to gather damage information for personal flood-related losses and economic losses to Missouri businesses,” he said.
Texas County was among 41 counties in the state declared a disaster area after last week’s flooding.
Later, the joint teams will collect information associated with damages to public property, critical infrastructure and debris removal.
The government’s arrival comes after about six inches of rainfall fell in the immediate Houston area. Countywide, rivers and streams expanded out of their banks, and township roads sustained damage. Several highways were closed in the county after high water was reported.
In this area, Highway 106 in Shannon County remained closed after water washed away a portion of the pavement. Travelers to Springfield will also find delays in the Rogersville area along U.S. 60, where some driving lanes are closed and traffic diverted to eastbound lanes.
A photo gallery of reader-submitted flood photographs appears at www.houstonherald.com.