[May 21, 2013] BRIEF: President Obama declares major disaster in Oklahoma Tweet May 21, 2013 (The Oklahoman - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- President Barack Obama has declared a "major disaster" in Oklahoma. At about 9:10 a.m., CDT, the president said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate "is on his way to Oklahoma as we speak." "FEMA staff was first deployed to Oklahoma's Emergency Operations Center on Sunday as the state already was facing down the first wave of deadly tornadoes. Yesterday FEMA activated urban search and rescue teams from Texas, Nebraska and Tennessee to assist in the ongoing search and rescue efforts and a moblile response unit to boost communications and logistical support. "The people of Moore should know that their country will remain on the ground, there for them, beside them as long it takes." The president aslo commented, "There are empty spaces where there used to be living rooms, and bedrooms and classrooms and in time we're going to need to refill those spaces with love and laughter and community." He said "the good people there in Oklahoma are better prepared for this type of storm than most and what they can be certain of is that Americans from every corner of this country will be right there with them opening our homes, our hearts, to those in need because we are a nation that stands with our fellow citizens as long as it takes." ___ (c)2013 The Oklahoman Visit The Oklahoman at www.newsok.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]