Pawlenty Declares State of Emergency in 7 Counties

"MN Governor"

06/19/2010

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared a state of emergency in seven counties that were hit hard by a string of tornadoes this week.

The executive order issued Saturday applies to Faribault, Freeborn, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Polk, Steele, and Wadena counties.

The order directs state agencies to work with federal agencies to provide emergency assistance.

The aid includes onsite support and assistance to local governments. State officials will also examine whether additional emergency assistance will be needed.

Three people were killed in Thursday's tornadoes and dozens more injured. The storms also damaged several hundred homes and buildings and toppled trees and power lines.

More than 230 homes were hit in the northwestern Minnesota city of Wadena.