WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), along with members of Missouri’s Congressional Delegation, sent a letter to President Trump today supporting Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for a major disaster declaration following the catastrophic flooding that struck southern Missouri from July 9 through July 11, 2026.

“We write in strong support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s July 28, 2026, request for a major disaster declaration following the devastating severe storms and flooding that took place in Missouri from July 9th through July 11th of this year,” the lawmakers wrote. “Beginning late on July 9th, a series of slow-moving thunderstorms produced torrential rainfall in some areas across south-central and southeastern Missouri, equivalent to a 1-in-1,000-year event according to the National Weather Service. In roughly 12 hours, some areas received an estimated 6 to 12 inches of rain, causing rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas to rapidly rise, including a record crest on the Black River near Annapolis, Missouri… In the days following, it was publicly reported that first responders bravely rescued over 350 people, including over 200 airlifted from the Camp Taum Sauk by Missouri National Guard helicopters.”

“Missouri has repeatedly been faced with natural disasters in recent years,” the lawmakers continued. “In 2025 alone, Missouri received five federally declared disasters—the most of any state—and in 2026, this trend has not changed. Today, Missouri is requesting its third disaster declaration of the year, already holding a declaration for storms that occurred from April 23rd through April 28th… Following the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments for the July 9th through July 11th storms, more than $26.5 million in eligible infrastructure damage and emergency protective costs were identified across 9 counties… As such, we respectfully urge you to direct your administration to promptly review Governor Kehoe’s major disaster declaration request for the July 9 through July 11 storms and submit it for your approval.”

Congressman Smith recently saw firsthand the devastating flood damage in Reynolds County, visiting Valley Springs Youth Ranch and Black River Baptist Church — two sites hit hardest by the storms.

“The pictures don’t do justice to the damage,” Smith said. “For 12 inches of rain to come within two to three hours, in an area that does not flood, it was horrendous and pretty scary. Families have lost their homes, farmers have lost equipment and livelihoods they spent decades building, and a church that feeds well over 100 families through its food drives had its sanctuary destroyed. The scale of what this community is facing is enormous, and I’m grateful for every first responder, volunteer, neighbor, and local leader who has stepped up to help during this difficult time. My office will continue working to connect these families and organizations with every state and federal resource available as they rebuild.”

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) also signed the letter.

Read the full letter HERE.