# Presidential Disaster Declaration for Ohio After Severe Storms and Flooding

Columbus, Ohio — A Major Disaster declaration for Ohio was approved October 2, 2026, opening federal disaster aid for residents and communities hit by the mid-August outbreak of severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding and landslides.

**What is happening:** The presidential declaration covers damage from the August 10–22 storm period and activates the Individuals and Households program, which brings federal help directly to eligible people and families in the disaster-declared areas. Seven counties are approved so far — Franklin, Licking, Clermont, Hamilton, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry. The other 16 counties Governor Mike DeWine requested on September 2 are still pending review, as is a request for statewide hazard mitigation support.

**Local impacts:** Eligible residents in the seven approved counties can now seek federal aid for storm-related losses — including temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster needs tied to the August storms. Preliminary damage assessments found at least 50 homes and businesses destroyed, 806 with major damage and 475 with minor damage across the affected areas. Federal, state and local agencies will coordinate on damage documentation and recovery work in the weeks ahead.

**What to do:**

- If your home or property was damaged between August 10 and 22, document everything with photos and keep receipts for repairs.

- Residents in the seven approved counties can apply for federal disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or through the FEMA app.

- Follow guidance from Ohio emergency management and your county officials on next steps.

*Source: FEMA / The White House; Ohio Governor's Office, Oct. 2, 2026. Reported by TNW News.*