FEMA aid on the way to tornado victims

As cleanup continues in tornado-ravaged parts of Springfield, federal aid is on the way for those affected by the storm. Governor Deval Patrick explained how those in need can apply for help. Our Brandon Walker has more.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Still shocked and sad some two weeks after a tornado grazed her front door, Lillian Villaran tries to move on.

"We didn't expect it," she reflected. "Everybody had their houses all nice and now it's just sad, real sad."

While the devastation is still raw, the cleanup is well underway. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick Thursday outlining how folks like Villaran can apply for relief aid from the federal government.

"Response centers will be in effect very shortly, we expect by the weekend or Monday and will be getting out to all affected people and communities," Patrick said.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and other officials joined Patrick in urging folks to register for help. Springfield Congressman Richard Neil commended the Obama administration for a quick turnaround in getting aid to the area, in a year riddled with natural disasters nationwide.

"FEMA has been stretched in their response. And yet they were right here and in two weeks time we get a declaration from the white house," Neil, a democrat, said.

Inspectors from the FEMA will be on the ground next week, meeting with those who applied.

"They're gearing to do approximately 3,000 inspections," Kurt Schwartz, director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, said.

Meanwhile, loans will be available to small business through the Small Business Administration. Federal funds will also help those now homeless after the tornadoes.

"We're really at a point right now, especially with these federal resources, as soon as we can find a good match for an individual or family in shelter, we are making that placement," said another member of Governor Patrick's cabinet said.

The recovery charting its next chapter. Though, for thousands like Lillian Villaran, the present still too tough to handle.

"It's breaking my heart. It's breaking my heart," she said.

The governor hopes to connect with storm victims by holding a public forum Tuesday, June 21 at 3 p.m. at the basketball hall of fame.

Source: http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/headlines/547179/fema-aid-on-the-way-to-tornado-victims

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