Disaster aid to Missouri tops $21 million

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri residents have been approved for more than $21 million of federal disaster aid following tornadoes and flooding. And that number is likely to keep rising.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Monday that more than $12 million has gone to individuals hit by the Joplin tornado. The rest has gone to people affected by flooding in southeast Missouri, a tornado that struck St. Louis and other severe weather since May 9.

FEMA spokesman Josh deBerge says Missouri residents have been approved for more than $13 million in temporary housing aid. The rest has gone to other needs, such as funeral expenses, clothing, household items, transportation and legal aid.