Batesville, Ark. — President Donald J. Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Arkansas on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, reversing an earlier denial and unlocking federal assistance for communities, including Independence County, devastated by severe storms and tornadoes on March 14–15. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the declaration, which will provide aid to residents and businesses in nine counties: Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp, and Stone.
The declaration, prompted by a call between President Trump and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, opens access to federal grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans for uninsured property losses, and other programs to support recovery. For Batesville and surrounding areas in Independence County, this assistance is a critical lifeline for residents and business owners rebuilding after the storms, which caused widespread destruction, three fatalities, and numerous injuries across the state.
“Our entire state is grateful for President Trump’s leadership and assistance as we recover from the devastating storms that struck Arkansas earlier this spring,” Governor Sanders said in a statement. “I had a productive conversation with the President in which he expressed his support for our state and I offered my full endorsement of his plans to reform FEMA to save money and provide greater direct assistance to disaster victims.”
The path to this declaration was not straightforward. On April 2, Governor Sanders requested major disaster relief, but FEMA denied Individual Assistance funding on April 11, according to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management. Sanders appealed the denial on April 18, citing the “overwhelming amounts of debris, widespread destruction to homes and businesses, the tragic loss of three lives, and injuries to many others.” The approval on Tuesday marks a significant victory for Arkansas communities still grappling with the storm’s aftermath.
President Trump’s administration has taken a critical stance on FEMA’s operations, with the president convening a council to review and recommend “improvements or structural changes” to the agency, even suggesting it might “go away.” Trump has advocated for states to manage disasters independently, with federal reimbursement for some costs. According to Stateline, FEMA under Trump has denied aid to Arkansas, West Virginia, and Washington, and rejected extended relief for North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, making this approval a notable exception.
Roland W. Jackson has been appointed the Federal Coordinating Officer to oversee recovery operations. FEMA noted that additional counties may be added to the assistance program if requested by the state and supported by further damage assessments.
Residents and business owners in Independence County and other designated areas can apply for aid at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or via the FEMA App. Those using relay services, such as video relay or captioned telephone service, should provide FEMA with their service number. Local officials urge applicants to document losses with photos and receipts and apply promptly to expedite recovery.
“This aid will help our community rebuild stronger,” said a spokesperson for the Independence County Office of Emergency Management. For more information, contact the office at (870) 793-8834 or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Batesville residents are encouraged to stay informed and take advantage of these resources to recover from the March storms.
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, Office of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders
