[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.