Holden declares emergency

Southeast Missourian

Missouri Gov. Bob Holden declared a state of emergency Thursday because of flooding across the state. The disaster declaration makes state resources immediately available to local governments to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts.

The declaration is a precursor to requests for federal disaster aid for counties hit hard by flooding.

At least eight people have been killed in the floods, including one man from Marble Hill, Mo., who drowned in rising waters.

State and federal damage assessment teams will began surveying damage to public roads and bridges. This is another step in the process of seeking federal disaster assistance, the governor said.

Holden also asked the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's farm services agency to assess damage across the state to see if aid is available for swamped crops and delayed planting.