March 29, 2024

In the early afternoon of March 31, 2023, five tornadoes devastated multiple counties in Arkansas. Two EF-3 tornadoes hit central and east Arkansas, destroying homes, and causing extensive damage to businesses and infrastructure in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Jacksonville, Cabot, and Wynne. The tornado in Cross County destroyed Wynne High School.

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM), American Red Cross, and other organizations were on the ground the day of the storms to assist impacted residents. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s office directed ADEM to request personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess the damage caused by the tornadoes.

Within 24 hours of the disaster, Governor Sanders officially requested a presidential disaster declaration, which included Individual and Public Assistance and statewide Hazard Mitigation efforts. Within 48 hours of the storms, President Biden signed a Major Disaster Declaration activating federal resources to support the State’s response and recovery.

“I am immensely proud of the ADEM team members who have worked tirelessly to secure funds for the Arkansans who were impacted by the tornadoes on March 31,” said ADEM Director A.J. Gary. “ADEM and the State of Arkansas demonstrated remarkable preparedness and proactive measures in collaboration with FEMA and various public and private entities. This response is a testament to ADEM’s dedication to safety and effective teamwork during difficult times.”

FEMA, State, and local agencies estimate damages to public infrastructure range from $70 to $90 million. FEMA has written projects costing over $49 million, $27 million of which have already been distributed through ADEM. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program funds state and local governments for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities.

Since March 31, 2023, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $23 million in loans. 347 loans have gone to homeowners and renters for $21,234,100, and 30 loans have been provided to businesses for $2,301,000.  

Within the last year, FEMA has approved assistance for 9,531 Individual Assistance applicants and has paid almost $10 million ($9,726,583) to Arkansas homeowners and renters.

In close partnership with the American Red Cross and the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), ADEM managed non-congregate sheltering (hotel rooms) for impacted survivors. During the peak of the housing crisis, when numerous individuals had lost their homes, ADEM led the effort to provide shelter for 1,269 people from 700 households. This collaborative effort was instrumental in ensuring those affected had a safe place to stay. In Cross County, the number of households in FEMA housing peaked at 43 in 2023. Today, 33 families are still living in FEMA housing.

ADEM continues to work closely with FEMA to secure project funding, manage public grant applications, and oversee the FEMA assistance programs after those funds have been awarded.

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.