Obama directs FEMA to ready help for tornado-ravaged Oklahoma


President Barack Obama has been getting updates on the massive tornado that ravaged homes and schools near Oklahoma City and has directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to prepare to get "all available assistance" to the disaster-hit area, the White House said Monday.

FEMA has been closely monitoring the storm. Obama has discussed it with Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco and is getting updates from aides as information comes in from Oklahoma.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has spoken with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin to make sure there are no unmet needs and to make clear that at the president’s direction the Administration and FEMA stand ready to provide all available assistance in response to the severe weather, the White House said.