Gov. Beebe declares disaster in 10 AR counties

LITTLE ROCK (AP) - Gov. Mike Beebe has declared 10 Arkansas counties disaster areas after a series of tornadoes struck Tuesday, killing 13 and injuring more than 130. Wednesday, Beebe declared disasters in: Baxter, Conway, Independence, Izard, Pope, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, Union and Van Buren counties. The declarations make the counties eligible for disaster aid. Beebe toured Pope, Van Buren, Baxter and Stone counties Wednesday to survey the damage. "Everywhere we went, we saw volunteers pouring in to help their friends, neighbors and, oftentimes complete strangers, get back on their feet," he said. Governor Beebes disaster declaration releases $250,000 from the Governor’s Disaster Fund to be used by the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management through the Individual Assistance Program. Affected residents in all ten counties can apply for assistance by phone at 1-877-828-3362. (© The Associated Press, All rights reserved.)