senator Josh Hawley, R-MissouriLocal communities are facing "destructive" and that in a violent tornado, at least "at least "FEMA) funding" claimed dozens of lives over the weekend, it said Monday.

Hawley Blasted by a stormemphasizing that "many people are hurting."

“These aren’t just real estate,” Hawley explained. “I mean, these houses are people growing up. These neighborhoods are communities where families raise their kids back for two, three, four generations. I talked to a guy who used to be nearby. His family has been nearby since his great-grandmother to the turn of the last century.

"Unless they need to rebuild, the federal government will need to play an important role in FEMA relief, disaster relief, and we hope to get all of these roles as soon as possible," he said.

There were 53 million severe storm stands on Monday, with wind gusts that could be as high as 80 mph

Fox Weather reports that the strong storm's rating is At least one EF-3turning houses and businesses into rubble.

At least 26 people are Killed throughout the area over the weekend. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the death toll in Kentucky alone is 19 years old, and the Hawley office said Missouri's count is at least seven.

Beshear is Post on X. "Please keep praying for them, 10 people who are being treated in UK hospitals and everyone affected by these storms."

Damage assessment continues in Kentucky, Missouri, after a deadly tornado

Hawley's push to seek FEMA assistance comes as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called for the elimination of the agency's existence today.

In addition to calling for federal aid, Hawley quickly pointed out that private insurance providers will need to step up and fairly pay claims to assist in the recovery efforts, noting that he is "in the middle of an investigation into major insurers."

Hawley told Fox News Numbers that I talked to a guy today and their roof was torn off and the windows were smashed into it. "These people need payment policies. They are loyal senior holders, loyal senior payers. They need a payment policy. This will make a huge, huge difference. ”

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Recovering from disaster to local communities can take some time, with around 700,000 lost power throughout the region during the peak of the storm.

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Hawley added: “I hope our governor will make an emergency relief request soon and we certainly hope that FEMA will take action.

Preston Mizell is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to preston.mizell@fox.com and x @mizellpreston