[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 18 (Monday, May 10, 1999)]
[Page 802]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.