Oklahoma officials request federal disaster aid following earthquakes
After many properties in the state of Oklahoma were damaged earlier this month in the strongest earthquake ever to hit the region, officials are asking for federal assistance.
Governor Mary Fallin has now requested a federal disaster declaration to help with the rebuilding efforts of residents and business owners in the state. She previously declared a State of Emergency on November 9.
Fallin said nearly 200 properties were damaged in the incident. However, because strong tremors are uncommon in the area, very few had earthquake coverage, which isn't standard in traditional homeowners insurance policies.
"Oklahoma has seen its share of natural disasters this year, including the recent earthquakes in Lincoln and Pottawatomie counties," Governor Fallin said. "If our request is approved, individuals, families and businesses impacted by the earthquakes will be eligible for federal assistance."
The magnitude 5.6 earthquake was centered roughly four miles from the town of Sparks. Its strength broke the previous record for the state, which was set in 1952. Dozens of smaller tremors were recorded in the days following the original one.
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