Rebuilding unlikely in tornado-ravaged Okla. town (lead pollution)

[jpak]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SEVERE_WEATHER?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=US

PICHER, Okla. (AP) -- No government money will be awarded for rebuilding any of the 100 homes leveled by a deadly tornado that tore through one of the nation's most polluted areas, state and federal officials said Tuesday on a tour of the region.

Saturday's tornado was responsible for seven deaths in Picher. The severe weather killed another 20 people in the Plains and the Southeast.

"It really is like a small nuclear bomb went off," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said at a news conference. He was joined by David Paulison, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry.

Paulison promised quick consideration of Henry's request for federal disaster recognition.

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