DeWine Declares State of Emergency in Ohio

Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency in eight Northeast Ohio counties after Storm Debby caused extensive damage and power outages. The affected counties are Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Portage, Summit, and Trumbull. DeWine's declaration aims to expedite assistance and he has requested FEMA to conduct a damage assessment. Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne emphasized the urgent need for additional resources, urging the waiver of a $5.9 million damage threshold to access more funds. State agencies, including the Ohio Department of Health, have already begun providing aid, such as mobile oxygen generators. The governor assured continued support for local communities as they recover.