COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Administrator Frank Walsh told the Branch County Board of Commissioners Tuesday they will seek Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds for all the expenses that have and will incur following the devastating Union City tornado.
He admitted it was a longshot but it was possible and it’s something they should go after.
Walsh said FEMA might support the request because of the historic nature of the EF-3 tornado.
The tragedy led to a large outpouring of support for the tornado victims. Sheriff Fred Blankenship told Commissioners emergency management and school officials are asking that no more donations be made at Union City High School because they are getting overwhelmed and they have everything they need for awhile.
He asked residents to make a financial donation to the Branch County United Way or the Community Foundation if they want to help out, as that money will go directly to the victims.
Blankenship said this is the beginning of a long process.
He said the response included nearly a half dozen dive teams who looked for victims on Union Lake.
Blankenship said they will still be manning the area for at least the next week.
The tornado took the lives of three people and injured 12 others. A moment of silence to honor and remember the victims was held during Tuesday’s Commissioners meeting.
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