WARTBURG, Tenn. – Crews continue to clean up the wreckage left behind by a deadly tornado that tore through Morgan County, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As the community reels from the aftermath, county leaders are confronting a discouraging reality: the chances of securing federal disaster relief seem slim.
County Executive Brian Langley explained that in order to qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, the state would need to report more than $13 million in damages. However, as local and state authorities continue to assess the destruction, Langley believes the county’s damages will fall far short of that threshold.
“For FEMA’s qualifications, we’re not going to meet that, and it’s going to be sad,” Langley said.
The tornado has claimed two lives and caused significant damage to 39 homes, leaving many families displaced and in need of assistance. Despite the severe impact on the community, Langley remains doubtful that federal support will materialize. He attributes this partly to the lower property values found in rural areas like Morgan County, compared to larger cities, which ultimately affects the overall damage estimate.
“They’re not thinking about the rural, small counties, not only here in Tennessee, but nationwide and all over the place. I wouldn’t trade Morgan County for any place in the world, but a lot of times, we do get overlooked, and it’s my job to make sure we don’t get overlooked,” Langley said.
With FEMA aid unlikely, county officials are turning to state leaders for support. Rep. Ed Butler stated that he is working with Governor Bill Lee to find solutions and provide whatever assistance possible to the affected residents.
“I’m working with the governor to see what we can do right now for my constituents in Morgan County,” Butler said.
As the county begins to rebuild, Langley emphasized that local officials would be meeting in the coming weeks to address ongoing concerns and ensure that residents receive the help they need in the wake of this tragedy. Despite the obstacles, the community remains determined to recover, with local leaders advocating for their people every step of the way.
