CHARLESTOWN, Ind. — As residents and volunteers continue the long process of assessing and clearing damage from the March 2 tornadoes, many who live in affected communities are still concerned with the basics.

“Their focus is on having a place to live, a roof over their heads and something to eat,” said Bob Backus, county executive director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Clark and Scott counties in southern Indiana. “Volunteer organizations have come in and done a wonderful job.”

Thirteen people were killed in Indiana during the storms, which heavily damaged several areas, including Henryville and Marysville in Clark County. Seventy-seven people had been treated for injuries in Indiana hospitals, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, but that number doesn’t reflect those treated in the field.

Last week, President Obama declared six Indiana counties – Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington – major federal disaster areas from storms on Feb. 29 and March 2. Gov. Mitch Daniels requested the designation in a letter sent to the president earlier in the week.

The declaration means homeowners and businesses in the affected areas are eligible for assistance, such as grants for temporary housing and repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. A preliminary assessment of homes, businesses and public infrastructure found that 187 primary residences were destroyed and 88 received major damage in the six counties, according to the letter.

Farmers in the area have begun making repairs, in some instances temporary, to buildings and fencing damaged in the storms. Damage to equipment hasn’t been as widespread as was expected, Backus noted.

Debris was scattered by the tornadoes over a wide area, he said, adding he’s urging farmers who haven’t done so to walk their fields as soon as they are able.

“It’s been warm enough here that our wheat and hay are greening up and coming out of dormancy,” he stated. “Some of the debris is small but in some cases, they’ll need equipment to get it out of the fields.

“Even if you live five or six miles away from the storm’s path, I’d recommend walking your fields. There’s lots of small debris that could damage or destroy tires. There are small pieces like nails and splintered boards, and big pieces of sheet metal.”

Several businesses – including a lumber company, welding shop and woodworking building – were destroyed or damaged in Pekin, south of Salem in the lower end of Washington County, said a farmer from the area who asked not to be identified.

“The mess is just unbelievable,” he noted. “I don’t think by fall that most people will have a home.”

Several buildings damaged or demolished by a tornado that hit the area in 1974 were wiped out again, he explained. The most recent storm was actually two tornadoes that were on the ground for about 18.5 miles and reached widths of a half-mile, he added. Five members of a family living in a mobile home were killed.

The farmer said he lost one cow in the storm. He found the rest of his herd – about 45-50 animals – huddled together, but safe.

Residents in the area have been helped by people from near and far, he stated. Companies such as Lowe’s, Home Depot and Coca-Cola have donated items, and state troopers and firefighters from many nearby communities were on the scene quickly after the tornadoes passed.

“It looked like people were coming in like they do for our annual Fourth of July celebration,” the farmer said. “Cars were lining up to turn off the road and come in. You cannot believe how people have jumped in to help.”

Volunteer organizations such as the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International and Samaritan’s Purse have been working in the area, Backus explained.

“I wouldn’t know where to start in talking about all the help and donations that have come in,” he said. “They’re concentrating on the relief that is needed. It looks as if there are going to be enough volunteers. Cleanup will be done free of charge to the people with the most damage.”

At least 2,000 people have registered to serve as volunteers in the area, said Denise Derrer, public information director for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH). About 800 registered volunteers a day have been working in the storm-damaged areas, added Derrer, who is working with the Indiana Joint Information Center during the emergency.

Local residents who need help should call 2-1-1 to put in a request, she noted. “We’re trying to get a coordinated effort by matching volunteers with needs,” she said. “There are lots of needs, from mending fences to walking the fields. We’re trying to determine what volunteers are able to do, such as can they use a chainsaw or drive a tractor.”

There have been many reports of tree damage and debris in fields and driveways, Derrer said, adding there are no firm damage estimates available. No reports have come in regarding significant livestock losses; there also haven’t been any reports of escaped livestock roaming, she noted, adding officials will try to reunite any livestock with its owners.

“The system is working; it hasn’t been overwhelmed yet,” Derrer said. “Animal control offices are dealing with smaller animals such as cats, dogs and rabbits, and they’re handling it just fine. A lot of it is able to be handled locally.”

Farmers with losses and damage should report it to their local FSA offices as soon as possible, said Julia A. Wickard, FSA state executive director.

“There are many agriculture families that have been impacted,” she noted. “We’ve had reports of damage to barns, fencing, bins and conservation structures. We’re working with farmers in those areas on a plan to get ready for the planting season.

“There are many things to be aware of, including the possibility that there could be debris such as roofing nails embedded in the soil.”

FSA has two programs that may be of help to farmers during this time, she explained. The Emergency Conservation Program allows funding for debris removal, fencing repair and restoration of damaged conservation areas such as waterways and buffer strips. The Emergency Forest Restoration Program offers funding for restoration of damaged woodlands on private land.