Delmont Mayor Says Many Will Leave Town Due to Tornado

DELMONT, S.D. (AP) — Some residents of tornado-ravaged Delmont don't plan to return.

About 200 people live in the town, and Mayor Mae Gunnare tells KELO-TV that as many as half will leave. She says that will reduce local tax revenue, and the community will be looking for ways to bring in new residents.

The May 10 tornado damaged or destroyed 84 structures in and around Delmont and injured nine people. The twister was rated an EF-2, with a peak wind speed of 130 mph.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency last week denied a state request for federal aid for people and businesses because the damage didn't meet the necessary threshold.

U.S. Sen. John Thune tells the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan there might still be federal resources available, such as low-interest disaster loans.

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