The County of Simcoe has formally declared the situation in Angus an emergency today.

In response to additional requests for help from the Township of Essa, the county held a special emergency operations centre (EOC) meeting and decided to declare the emergency to move forward implementing its emergency social services program and offer more help.

The county implemented its emergency response plan and the EOC immediately following the tornado June 17.

“Recovery efforts are underway and the county will continue to work closely with our emergency response partners and the Township of Essa to help ensure our residents receive the support they need during this difficult situation,” said Warden Cal Patterson in a news release. “Our thoughts are with the families and the entire Township of Essa community that has been impacted by the tornado…”

Patterson says the challenge now is to get life back to normal for Angus residents.

Meanwhile, the county is working with 2-1-1 to make information about additional services available to the community. Impacted residents can call 2-1-1 for information available in English and French 24/7.