United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Declares State of Emergency Following Severe Storms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tahlequah, OK – The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians has declared a state of emergency due to the recent tornado and high wind damage sustained across the Keetoowah Cherokee Reservation.

Numerous areas have experienced damage to homes and infrastructure, and some UKB members remain without power.

The state of emergency allows the Tribe to coordinate more rapidly with state and federal authorities to speed up assistance, including:

• Accelerated deployment of state agency support to affected communities;

• Delivery of essential resources such as food, shelter, and medical care;

• Coordination of power restoration and emergency services across impacted areas.

"We are working closely with government agencies and utility providers to restore power and ensure the health and safety of all UKB members," said Chief Jeff Wacoche. "Our focus right now is on meeting urgent needs and helping our people recover."

UKB members in need of immediate assistance should contact your District Representative and if unavailable, contact UKB Lighthorse at 918-207-9955. Updates will be shared through the Tribe’s official website and Facebook page as recovery efforts continue.