    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [May 4, 1999]
    [Page 687]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 687]]

    Statement on Tornado Damage in Oklahoma and Kansas
    May 4, 1999

        My heart goes out to the people of Oklahoma and Kansas who suffered
    through a night of terror and devastation. Some of the most powerful
    tornadoes ever recorded tore through these States last night, killing
    dozens of people, leveling whole neighborhoods, and leaving more than a
    thousand families homeless.
        In the coming hours, I will declare several counties in both States
    Federal disaster areas, speeding the way for Federal aid. James Lee
    Witt, the Director of the Federal Emergency
    Management Agency, is now on his way to the region to assess the damage
    and to assure the people of Oklahoma and Kansas that the Federal
    Government will provide whatever support is necessary to help them begin
    putting their communities back together.
        Right now, our top priority is to make sure people are safe, that
    everyone is accounted for, and that initial cleanup can begin. Local and
    State officials, fire and police, emergency services, and National Guard
    personnel worked through the night and are doing an outstanding job of
    helping people through these most difficult hours. The thoughts and
    prayers of all Americans are with the victims of this tragedy.