Major Disaster Declaration approved for Michigan

President Donald Trump approved Michigan's request for a major disaster declaration Thursday, making federal assistance available to residents and businesses affected by severe storms, flooding, snowmelt and tornadoes that struck the state April 10-21. The declaration covers damage including 15 destroyed homes, 657 with major damage and over $23 million in public infrastructure losses across multiple counties. Eligible homeowners and renters in designated counties can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance to help recover disaster-related losses.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requested the declaration June 5, and Michigan's congressional delegation subsequently urged White House approval. The state activated its Emergency Operations Center during the storms and expanded emergency declarations to dozens of counties as conditions worsened. Officials documented nine confirmed tornadoes and widespread flooding that damaged roads and culverts across west Michigan.