ST. LOUIS – FOX 2 had the opportunity to meet with both Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer today for updates on the recovery efforts in the city.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has arrived in the city to assist in the disaster evaluation, following the extreme weather that hit the region last Friday. Over five individuals lost their lives and thousands of buildings were impacted by the tornado.

Spencer hopes the evaluation will be finished on May 25.

Kehoe, who lived in north St. Louis back in the day, said he was in contact with President Donald Trump, as well as Kristi Noem, United States Secretary of Homeland Security for assistance relief.

Kehoe also noted the anniversary of the Joplin and Jefferson City tornado.

“FEMA has come out and said this is the largest residential destruction since the Joplin tornado,” Kehoe said. “It’s not a historic moniker that you’d like to have, but it just goes to the destruction that we have.”

Officials are exploring whether national guards can play a role in assisting with recovery efforts, such as debris removal.

FOX 2 raised concerns with both leaders about the assistance available for individuals without insurance. And according to Spencer, a large number of those impacted by last week’s weather have no insurance or are underinsured.

“That is going to be a tricky component here, but we’re going to make sure that these folks are housed for the long term,” Spencer said.

Both leaders expressed gratitude for the first responders for their help in aiding those in need.

For more information on how to receive help in the aftermath of the St. Louis tornado, visit here. Donations to impacted victims can also be found here.