INDIANAPOLIS — More help is now available for Hoosiers hit by the tornado in east central Indiana in March.
Randolph County has been officially declared a natural disaster area. That means farmers who lost property, crops or livestock are eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA.
Neighboring counties are also eligible, including Delaware, Henry, Jay and Wayne.
A tornado, along with high winds, hail and flooding, struck that area on March 14. At least 38 people were hurt. Dozens of buildings were damaged or destroyed. Power outages reportedly affected almost 10,000 homes.
One week after the tornado, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed an executive order for disaster relief for Delaware, Randolph and Jefferson counties, which saw widespread damage. Holcomb's declaration provided assistance and coordination efforts with federal and local agencies to provide services in those counties.
"I've taken action to ensure the victims of Mother Nature's wrath can rebuild their roots here in Indiana," Holcomb said. "I want those impacted to know that the state is here to help in whatever capacity is necessary."