Call for more storm response comes from lawmakers

(The Center Square) – While the remnants of Hurricane Debby continue to impact parts of the eastern United States, lawmakers from the Cleveland area want an emergency declaration for northeast Ohio.

High winds and heavy rain from the storm spawned tornadoes and heavy flooding beginning Tuesday and carrying through the early morning hours of Friday. Hundreds of thousands were left without power.

In response, Gov. Mike DeWine issued a proclamation on Friday to ready state agencies to provide additional assistance.

The move puts all agencies on notice to be prepared to help with recovery efforts, including the safety, health, lives and property of local citizens. Currently, according to DeWine, the only request for assistance has come from the Ohio Department of Health, which needed medical supplies.

The move comes after a group of lawmakers urged DeWine for the emergency declaration for Cuyahoga, Lake and Lorain counties earlier this week.

“The extensive damage caused by this storm has impacted multiple counties and n...