Tenn. Gov. Responds to Deadly Tornadoes That Struck State

Tenn. Gov. Phil Bredesen received detailed briefings from Tennessee Emergency Management Agency officials in the wake of deadly tornadoes that struck Tennessee on Tuesday. The storms have resulted in 31 fatalities, 150 injuries and widespread damage in seven counties across Tennessee.

“To those who have lost loved ones or suffered injury, I want to say that the thoughts and prayers of our state are with you,” said Bredesen. “Our priority today is to support our first responders and those most impacted by the storms. As we look forward, I pledge the full resources of state government to help people rebuild and get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Emergency response efforts are underway in affected areas. Once those efforts are completed, Bredesen has asked state and local agencies to obtain rapid damage assessments to support an anticipated request for federal disaster relief. Additional information about state and federal assistance for affected counties will be released as details become available.

Bredesen has been receiving briefings since the storms struck Tuesday night. He has been working with local officials in the most heavily impacted counties by phone and will tour storm damaged areas.

Source: Office of the Governor of Tennessee