The Logan County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has recently provided an update on the ongoing recovery efforts for victims of the March 14, 2024, tornado.
A total of 1,443 properties, both residential and business, were assessed.
Of these, 1,356 were residential properties, with 347 being non-primary residences.
The damage assessment for residential properties is as follows:
- 235 properties destroyed
- 253 properties with major damage
- 417 properties with minor damage
- 279 properties were affected, but not severely damaged
- 172 properties not affected by the tornado
As of this week, 109 families have recovered with the help of insurance.
Sixty-three families are still waiting for insurance claims to be completed.
The Long-Term Recovery (LTR) team has referred 97 families for additional assistance.
LTR has successfully helped 62 families through their efforts or by partnering with other agencies.
They have also moved and set up 4 mobile homes, with 3 more scheduled to be set up.
The team has completed repairs on 5 homes with the help of volunteers and other agencies and has replaced furniture and belongings for over 50 families.
However, 35 families are still awaiting help due to various factors, including waiting for contractors or facing challenges in securing permanent housing.
Some families are living in temporary housing like campers, while others are waiting for repairs to their homes.
Housing Plans and State Funding Concerns
In response to the ongoing housing challenges, recovery teams are working on housing plans for the impacted families.
While plans have been drawn up, the next step depends on financial contributions from the state.
There’s been much discussion about the necessary funding, and the focus is now on waiting for the state to step in and provide support.
Helen Norris, Director of the Logan County EMA, expressed frustration with the lack of support from the State of Ohio for ongoing recovery efforts.
While the area received a FEMA declaration, Norris noted that once the declaration was in place, the state did not provide sufficient funding or assistance, leaving local agencies and residents to handle the bulk of the recovery efforts on their own.
Despite the challenges, the EMA and Long-Term Recovery teams remain committed to supporting and assisting all families impacted by the tornado.
Efforts will continue until every family has fully recovered.
Anniversary Event
An anniversary event is in the early stages of planning at Indian Lake High School on March 14, 2025.
Check back for more information as the details are finalized in the coming weeks.
