By AP
Oklahoma City, OK – Fallin requests earthquake disaster assistance
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin is requesting a federal disaster declaration in the wake of a series of earthquakes that have rumbled through the state in recent weeks.
Fallin made the formal request on Tuesday to help individuals, families and businesses in Lincoln and Pottawatomie counties, where the earthquakes and aftershocks have been centered. Early damage estimates show that nearly 200 homes and businesses in those two counties were damaged.
If approved, the Federal Emergency Management Agency program provides grants and low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the earthquake.
The 5.6-magnitude quake that struck Oklahoma Nov. 5 was the strongest ever recorded in the state. The epicenter was located near the Lincoln County community of Sparks, about 44 miles northeast of Oklahoma City.