Feds Deny Emergency Funds For Oklahoma Quake Clean Up

Chris McKinnon, News 9

Cleanup continues after a series of earthquakes rocked Oklahoma last month. The White House delivered another blow Thursday to those who were relying on federal aid to rebuild.

The Snyders are left wondering what to do after President Obama refused federal aid for earthquake victims in Oklahoma. They never expected to lose the home they've been in for more than 40 years.

"I must have just dozed and what woke me up, besides falling out of the bed, was just the bang. The biggest noise I've ever heard was just -- and all the clattering and everything was just awful; and I will never forget that," said Margaret Snyder, reliving the earthquake that caused extensive structural damage to her home.

Inspectors tell the family the home is no longer safe to live in.

"You know, this beam here is sagging," said Mark Snyder, Margaret's son.

"We also looked up in the attic and some of the beams that run the length of the house have snapped in two also," he said.

Walking through the house, damage is around every turn. Walls separating from each other, floors buckling and cracks in the ceiling and brick structure.

"Basically, could not be repaired. It would cost much more to try to repair it than take it down and start over again," Mark Snyder said.

"It was just we had that little glimmer of hope," Margaret Snyder said.

But that hope was dashed after the government refused to help and the Snyder's insurance won't cover the damage.

"I said, 'Well, what are we supposed to do? We've paid for this insurance, you know?' She said, ‘Not earthquake insurance," and "I'm sorry,' and hung up. So there you go," Margaret Snyder said.

Now the family comes together, trying to move forward.

"That's where we'll go next. I don't know when, what we'll do," Margaret Snyder said.

The Snyders said they are frustrated with the lack of understanding by the federal government. They said just because there have been other disasters in the state doesn't mean they should be overlooked because they need the help.