MONROE COUNTY — A local disaster declaration has been officially enacted for Monroe County following the severe tornado that tore through the northern portion of the county on June 17th.
While the National Weather Service (NWS) originally issued a preliminary classification of an EF-2, a meticulous review of drone footage revealed severe structural and environmental impact. On Friday, June 26th, the NWS released an updated damage survey officially upgrading the storm to an EF-3 tornado, noting damage consistent with higher wind speeds in both the northwestern and northeastern parts of Monroe County.
Debris Cleanup and Disposal Instructions
County officials have emphasized that residents affected by the storm are responsible for their own property cleanup. To assist with these efforts, Monroe County Government has placed dumpsters at three strategic locations along the tornado’s path.
These dumpsters are strictly for household and construction debris only. They became available on June 25th and will remain on-site for two weeks, officially being removed on Wednesday, July 8th.
Property owners are explicitly requested not to place tree limbs, logs, or vegetation debris at the curb, as curbside pickup services will not be provided by the county.
Dumpster Locations:
- Liberty Church — 9721 N. Liberty Hollow Rd, Gosport, IN
- Mt. Pleasant Church — 3100 W. Burma Rd, Gosport, IN (Located in the gravel lot near the graveyard)
- Morgan-Monroe State Forest Entrance — The intersection area of Forest Road and Old State Road 37
Financial and Humanitarian Aid Available
For homeowners and renters facing recovery without adequate insurance, state-level relief has been activated. The Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund is officially open and accepting applications for those who are uninsured or underinsured.
Qualifying residents who submit an application through the Official Smartsheet Disaster Portal could potentially receive direct financial assistance distributed through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS).
Additionally, immediate humanitarian aid, casework, and emergency support can be accessed through the American Red Cross. Impacted residents are encouraged to call the dedicated hotline at 1-800-733-2767.
For further information regarding the disaster declaration, dumpster availability, or local relief efforts, residents may reach out directly to Justin Baker via email at justinbaker@co.monroe.in.us or by phone at 812-349-2533.
