Disaster preparedness committee meets in Charleston | Environment

CHARLESTON, MO (KFVS) - Is Missouri ready to handle a disaster? The state's committee on disaster preparedness met Monday in Charleston to ask that question.

The group was established back in July to assess the state's disaster recovery efforts in light of recent flooding, tornadoes, and ice storms.

Member of the committee met with local community leaders to find out what the response has been to recent disasters.

"People are starting to sell off their herds," said Rep. Steve Hodges (D) of East Prairie. "They can't afford to feed them.  So what's that going to do for the overall economy? Quite honestly, I think this drought could be more devastating to us than the flood was last year because it has a broader area that's effected and it's going to have a terrific impact on the economy in a lot of different areas"

The committee will file a report and give its recommendations by the end of the year.

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