Almone, King Tour Tornado-Ravaged POG And MON

Lawmakers Request Federal Funding Following Deadly Tornadoes

STANSVILLE, POG--At least 16 people were killed and dozens more injured after a series of deadly tornadoes ripped through southern POG and Monomi on Tuesday.

As many as eleven tornadoes were reported in the region on Tuesday following a severe weather alert issued by the National Weather Bureau. Three communities, Stansville, POG; Janiceburg, POG; and Marionsville, Monomi were hit especially hard. Scattered debris litters the landscape surrounding all three communities, and hundreds of homes were severely damaged or destroyed.

On Thursday, POG Governor Donna Almone and Monomi Governor Scott King toured the devestation in their states. They were joined by delegates and representatives from the affected areas.

After viewing the destruction, Almone and King held a joint news conference. Almone called the situation "horrifying" and said she was shocked at the severity of the storms' wrath.

"It's just so shocking...it's hard to take it all in, the level of destruction," Almone said. "I want the people of POG and Governor King also for the people of Monomi, that we are going to do everything we can to help these communities rebuild. And of course our hearts and prayers are with the victims."

King echoed Almone's feelings.

"I want the people of Monomi to know that we stand with you, we stand in solidarity. We are going to do everything possible to bring relief as soon as we can," King said.

Later in the press conference, Almone and King called on President Byelle to authorize federal funding for the devestated region. Just forty-five minutes later in Mavocke, Byelle declared the region a federal disaster area; freeing up money for the affected counties.

"Our hearts go out to the people of Monomi and Province of Grassadella," Byelle said at a press conference. "I have been in touch with Governor Almone and Governor King, and we are going to help the folks down there as best we can."

Byelle also offered comfort for those affected by the storms.

"We want you to know that your fellow Grassadellans stand with you. Your country and government will not let you down," Byelle said.

Monomi delegate Hanna Gorbachy (NAT) also appealed to citizens of other provinces to help by donating time and money.

"Obviously, we are going to need a lot of not only money to rebuild these broken communities, but also a lot of time and volunteers to come down here and give their time."

President Byelle will tour the region on Friday with members of his staff and other local officials.

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*Information on disaster relief aid and how to donate can be found on http://www.gnnnews.com/