Gov. Dennis Daugaard has asked that FEMA and the Small Business Administration join state teams in a preliminary damage assessment of several parts of the state.

Daugaard wants an assessment of damage to homes and businesses in three  counties because of recent heavy rains and a tornado.

He has asked for preliminary assessments of damage to private homes and businesses in Jerauld, Lincoln and Union counties, and that they begin on Thursday.

The process is the first step to determine if FEMA's Individual Assistance program or SBA's disaster loan program may be made available to help residents with recovery.

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