Keoland - Thune, Noem Tour Delmont Damage

News Article

By Brady Mallory

Members of South Dakota's congressional delegation say they will do what they can to get Delmont FEMA assistance. Senator John Thune and Representative Kristi Noem are taking a closer look at the damage. They say homeowners need help as soon as possible. Reality is sinking in for those who call Delmont home. Shawn Spurrell and his family came home to the wreckage after spending the weekend in Parkston.

"Started getting emails and texts from people here in town that it went through our neighborhood," Spurrell said.

After what happened on Sunday, Monday's big question is what happens next?

"You can have insurance, but it's no substitute and it doesn't replace all the personal items and the memories that were stored in their homes," Thune said.

While they met with residents, Thune and Noem want the families here to know they're not alone.

"For people, our home is where everything is kind of centered around. It's going to take a while for everybody to rebuild and put it all back together," Thune said.

"Kind of breaks your heart all over again," Noem said. "You look at these homes on this street, by far the worst I've seen and the church and the fire hall," Rep. Kristi Noem said.

Right now, state leaders are figuring out how much this all will cost, and if it meets the requirements to get federal assistance.

"Those of us that are in D-C will certainly be advocating to get as many federal resources as possible here to the people who truly have lost so much," Noem said.

It will be a long process, because Spurrell says the reality of this is much worse than anything anyone could have imagined.

"It's kind of indescribable. You know, you figure you knew how you'd react or see the; be emotional. It's just kind of breathtaking. You could've been in there," Spurrell said.

Source