The federal government has allocated close to $2 billion in aid to six states impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to a statement from the White House. The funding aims to support individuals and communities severely affected by the consecutive storms that struck in late September and early October.
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast on September 26, causing widespread devastation and significant rainfall across multiple states. Two weeks later, Hurricane Milton swept through Florida, further exacerbating the damage.
The approved assistance includes various forms of aid, such as rental reimbursements for displaced residents, immediate cash disbursements for essentials like food and diapers, and public infrastructure repair funds for local governments. The allocated funds are divided with approximately $911 million designated for Helene-related damages and $620 million for Milton's aftermath, with additional support directed towards agricultural recovery.
The six states receiving assistance are Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been actively dispelling misinformation surrounding its relief efforts, particularly in North Carolina, where false claims have circulated regarding the agency's response.
FEMA emphasized its commitment to monitoring registration rates for disaster assistance in affected areas, noting that approximately 15.2% of households in impacted North Carolina counties have applied for aid. While concerns about misinformation persist, FEMA reassured residents that the registration period remains open for 60 days to accommodate those in need.
Meanwhile, the Small Business Administration announced a depletion of funds for disaster assistance loans, having provided $48 million in loans to hurricane survivors. Despite the strain on resources, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell affirmed the agency's financial capacity to address the ongoing crises.
Although Congress allocated $20 billion to replenish FEMA's relief fund in early October, a significant portion had already been earmarked for prior disasters. With approximately $8.5 billion currently available, Criswell acknowledged the potential need for supplemental funding to sustain relief efforts.
In the absence of additional congressional support, FEMA may resort to 'immediate needs funding,' prioritizing life-saving missions for new disasters while halting payments for previous incidents. The agency remains vigilant in its response to the hurricanes, underscoring the importance of continued assistance and collaboration to aid affected communities.
