Gov. Jay Nixon has declared the entire state under a state of emergency, attributed to the effects of record high temperatures and record low levels of precipitation.
The declaration removes any procedural hurdles that would normally stand in the way of state agencies assisting local jurisdictions with their emergency response efforts.
“We’re going to continue to work with public health officials, public safety officials and agricultural leaders to alleviate the impact of the heat and drought, but the long-range forecast shows our preparation and response will likely be needed for the foreseeable future,” Nixon said in a press release.
According to Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services, the state's current experience with drought and extreme heat has included:
- A confirmed 25 heat-related deaths in the state, including 20 in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
- Hospital reports of 829 heat-related emergency department visits from May 1 through July 22.
The emergency declaration expires Oct. 1.
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