FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 2, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Receives Disaster Declaration from President Trump

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Larry Rhoden announced that South Dakota has received a presidential disaster declaration in response to a mini-derecho, a tornado, and a historic windstorm that struck South Dakota from June 28th until July 3rd. President Trump personally called Governor Rhoden on Tuesday informing him of the declaration. The declaration makes federal assistance available to support recovery efforts following widespread damage caused by the storm system.

“I saw firsthand the devastation these storms left behind, and I know how hard our communities are working to recover,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Thank you, President Trump, for approving my request and issuing a presidential disaster declaration. These resources will help South Dakota recover and rebuild.”

President Trump also separately approved a presidential disaster declaration for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, providing the tribe with $1.7 million in federal assistance.

Governor Rhoden previously requested a presidential disaster declaration for this storm system. The disaster declaration applies to public property in Beadle, Bennett, Buffalo, Day, Hand, Hughes, Hyde, and Stanley Counties, along with the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Reservations. Damage included roads, power systems, parks, recreation areas, and public facilities, with Hyde and Beadle Counties experiencing particularly devastating impacts.

Preliminary damage assessments conducted confirmed more than $4.5 million in public infrastructure damage across the eight counties and two reservations, exceeding federal thresholds for disaster assistance.

The presidential declaration provides Public Assistance funding for eligible repairs at a 75% federal cost share (which equates to the approved $3.4 million), with the remaining 25% covered by state and local funds. This will help support ongoing recovery efforts.

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