NEW MADRID -- A second assessment to determine the needs of flood disaster victims is under way in New Madrid County.
Due to the flooding rain in late September, the Long Term Recovery Committee formed to provide a support resource to individuals affected by the 10 to 20 inches of rain that fell across the county.
"Our main objective was to gather resources available to assist people since there was not going to be any money brought down by the state or federal levels," Tonya Carruth, LTRC co-chair, said.
Several organizations have stepped up and offered temporary housing, food, clothing, furniture, cleaning supplies, etc., Carruth said.
"While the LTRC cannot financially support repairs and replacement of materials, we are here to provide direction in where to seek assistance," Carruth said.
However, donations from the community have been made to assist others in the county. Any donations are welcomed and will be allocated as instructed by the donor, LTRC Chair Jerry Lathum said.
Lathum said one of the committee's goal is to use donated funds available to the best of its abilities, he said, reiterating the committee is dealing with donated funds only; the county has received no funds from the local or state level as of now.
"The goal is to ensure everyone who has some sort of exposure or damage in the flooding gets registered," Carruth said.
So far about 125 people have registered with the Long Term Recovery Committee, Carruth said.
"Lots of folks were fortunate to have insurance, and some folks have had to relocate, but by and large, we believe we're moving forward," Lathum said. Most of the county's damage occurred in Portageville, Lilbourn, New Madrid, Parma and Risco, both Carruth and Lathum said.
Damage included large amounts of water in homes, which destroyed walls and flooring, Carruth said.
The LTRC consists of a representative from each city in New Madrid County. Residents should be able to contact their city hall to find out who their representative is.
"The communities are really working together, and I'm really pleasantly surprised and pleased communities helping one another," Lathum said.
New Madrid County Clerk Clement Cravens said the county commission was involved in the initial stages of developing the committee.
"The county commission just wanted to make sure the county did everything it could possibly do to help those in need," Cravens said.
The county commision wanted to provide a source of assistance information, if nothing else, where residents could possibly go to get what was needed, Cravens said.
"All in all, the community organizations, cities and the commission joined together so we could all help each other get our homes back in order," Carruth said. "And a lot of people have found resources."
For more information, contact the local city hall. Donations are still being accepted for disaster victims by mailing a tax deductible donation to: Long Term Recovery Fund; 420 Virginia Ave.; New Madrid, MO 63869.